Fernie Brewing Co – Thunder Meadows IPA
Overview
- Brewery: Fernie Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: American IPA, west coast IPA
- ABV: 6.7%
- IBU: 40
- Format Reviewed: Can 473 ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Fernie Brewing Co – Thunder Meadows IPA Review
If you know me, you know I love my hops, I just can’t get enough! So, naturally, when I see a new IPA on the liquor store shelf I grab it. Fernie Brewing came out with an IPA series in 2020 with a new release every two months, so it’s been a fun IPA adventure, with the series having a wide variety of IPA styles over the last year.
The Thunder Meadows IPA ( named after a cabin located in the Lizard Range mountain range), is a West Coast-style IPA, but it is not the truly classic, grapefruity bitterness with high resin mouthfeel that we expect- Its a little more subtle. The choice of hops used for this ale is a blend of Simcoe, Ekuanot, and Idaho 7 (not the classic “C” hops), that provide a combination of citrusy, earthy, and pine notes and aromas.
The beer pours clear, and lightly carbonated with a big mousse-like head that dissipates quickly. A bit of wheat and oats has been added to the malt bill to give it a nice full body. It may also be the reason why the bitterness and resinous are on the light side. For a 6.7% abv, it is remarkably easy-drinking beer. Since its original release in November of 2020, it became such a hit with the Fernie locals that it has been added on to the “Year-Round” beers, or at least until the end of the summer. Enjoy while you can, and looking forward to the next IPA in the series.
- Appearance
- Aroma
- Palate
- Flavour
- Overall Enjoyment
About This Beverage
- Colour: Copper
- Head Size & Retention: Normal head + retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Clear
- Balance: Balanced Malt/Hop
- Drinkability: Definitely Drinkable
- Enjoyment: I thought it was fine
- Malt Characteristics: Light
- Hop Characteristics: Citrusy, Piney or Woody, Earthy
- Palate: Full Bodied
Summary
Named after a legendary local cabin, Thunder Meadows is a hit with Fernie locals and craft beer lovers further afield. A solid IPA with delicious pine notes.