Brigand IPA India Pale Ale

[Trappist]

Hello,
Another 2008 newcomer has been tasted.
From Ingelmunster based brewery van Honsebrouck: Brigand IPA (6.5 vol%)

People, don't expect some kind of American IPA style ! In fact, nothing reminded me of those citric hoppy delicious hop monsters.
In this case I notice less hops. A hoppy flavour more resembling towards the hoppiness of let's say a De Koninck, Vieux-Temps, Palm, or Bass Pale-Ale. No citric flavours at all.
Still, when savouring, a most agreeable beer is experienced. A session beer at low 6.5 vol% strength.
The foam is perfect and rich. The color of the beer is amber and clear. Hops are surely noticed, no doubt, but I really expected that more hops aggressiveness from bry. Van Honsebrouck.
Cheers,

[Viv Barber]

I tried a bottle of this new beer last November, bought from Bitter Virtue in Southampton (England).

I found it quite disappointing as it didn't have the fuller flavour most, and especially the American, IPAs have.

However, its subtlety did not disguise its flavours which did reveal themselves, but it was not as hoppy as I expected either.
Overall only an average beer though as I prefer fuller flavours.

 

[Trappist]

Hi,
In the mean time this beer has been discontinued.
Why ?
Personally I think that this beer was nowhere close to a real IPA.
My taste experiences gave some kind of Vieux-Temps flavors. We all know that this type of beer isn't popular anymore, so this move from Van Honsebrouck was quite surprising really.
Now, if they would come out with a real HOPPY CITRIC IPA !!! This would be something different.
Cheers,
Filip