
A new Pilot Series begins (obviously) with 01, a Thai Inspired IPA. The hell does that mean? Well, it's a dense dark orange colour, hopped with Sabro, and Thai'd up using lemongrass and chillis. Sabro's pithy, plasticky brand of bitterness dominates the aroma: like Sorachi Ace, it's a loud hop, and not for everyone. The texture is soft and thick, reflecting the substantial 7.3% ABV. The flavour? Sabro again, though balanced -- the acidity offset by the big malt, resulting in a more gentle mix of grapefruit and jaffa flesh. I suspect the lemongrass gets lost in this: another citrus-analogue will always struggle to make itself heard. I thought the chilli was a bust until the very end where there's a little pinch in the back of the throat accompanied by a green-tasting chilli seed spice. It's an understated experiment. I think they could have ramped the chilli up more, but I have form in that area. Novelty aside, this is a great example of what Sabro does in a heavy, satisfying IPA.

It's enjoyable to watch a brewery playing in the IPA space, and I hope we'll see more from the Pilot Series in that line. Looks like they're taking us to the west coast properly next.
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