Small Gods Brewing Co.- Dance Tree French IPA

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.