Small Gods Brewing Co.- Dance Tree French IPA
Overview
- Brewery: Small Gods Brewing Co.
- Beer Style: Brut IPA, French IPA, IPA
- ABV: 7.3%
- Format Reviewed: Can 473 ml
- Brewery Web Page: More info
Small Gods Brewing Co.- Dance Tree French IPA Review
What is a French IPA? Well, according to Small Gods Brewing in Sidney, BC, a French IPA is a beer brewed in the brut or champagne style with a French hop, in this case the red fruit forward Barbe Rouge hop. It is also named after the historical fiction novel The Dance Tree set in Strasbourg, France which is written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
The Dance Tree is darker yellow with a small, white head that lingers. This is not a hazy beer. The aroma is strawberry and currant with underlying citrus. The flavour is very hoppy and fruity, with noticeable red fruit and citrus notes. There is a mild bitterness. This beer is very close to completely dry but does seem to have a tiny bit of barely noticeable maltiness. That could be just the fruity hops though. It is moderately carbonated, unlike many bruts which aim for heavier carbonation. The Dance Tree finishes very dry with softening fruity hops.
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Appearance(3.75)
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Aroma(4.25)
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Palate(4)
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Flavour(4)
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Overall Enjoyment(4.25)
About This Beverage
- Colour: Yellow
- Head Size & Retention: Some head, minimal retention
- Carbonation: Mild Carbonation
- Clarity: Slight Haze
- Balance: Very Hoppy
- Drinkability: Easy Drinking
- Enjoyment: I would definitely seek this beer out again
- Malt Characteristics: Light
- Hop Characteristics: Fruity, Citrusy, Herbal
- Palate: Crisp/Dry/Clean
Summary
Lots of IPA’s go straight for the tropical haze these days but The Dance Tree from Small Gods dances to a different beat with a strawberry forward brut.
Pros
Features a unique hop with a unique aroma and flavour profile.
Literary themed name (not nautical or geographical).
Brut style=less sugar.
Cons
Small head.
