Storm Brewing – Orange Creamsicle Ale

Storm Brewing – Orange Creamsicle Ale Review

For as long as Vancouver’s Storm Brewing has existed, it has probably been doing “brainstorm” beers. Brainstorms are brave, sometimes maybe even foolhardy, experimental batches that are only available for a limited time. Usually based on one of James Walton’s core recipes, the brainstorms often involve an impressive array of fifth ingredients (i.e.. not malt, hops, yeast or water). While the ever-changing brainstorms might give you another excuse to visit this truly one-of-a-kind brewery in person, it’s good, especially at this time, to be able to try a brainstorm in a prepackaged can, such as the Orange Creamsicle ale.

The Orange Creamsicle Ale is cloudy orange in colour with a billowing tan head that lingers well. The aroma is of bitter orange pith and rind. It is light-bodied with very good carbonation. The flavour is a mild vanilla-like sweetness combined with an equally mild orange fruit flavour, creating the impression of a creamsicle. The malts tend towards the light and clean while hops make very little impression, likely intentional to avoid overpowering the orange. The finish is long with the creamsicle impression coming through more noticeably.