OK so we have a beer that is know for some element of shock value. But how do they taste? Up until this week they were not available locally so the matter was left to the back of my mind.
Seeing them on the shelves i figured why not, lets give one a go. I went first with Galactica, and IPA made with galactic hops, mainly because it was noted as have a nice malt profile.
As Clown Shoes describes it” Galactica, a hop staff wielding heroine, patrols in karate kick mode through the heavens. Her mission: cosmic combat to promote good beer. Dry hopped with Galaxy hops, a clean malt backbone enhances the dank and luscious IPA flavors.” No argument from me. Pouring rather clear, upfront you get a bit of the pineiness that I love so much, but then the light sweetness from the malt. In the finish there is a nice bitter hit. While Sculpin is still my favorite, Galactica is up there.
I went out the next day and picked up a single bottle of Tramp Stamp, their Belgian Styled IPA. As they say, ”Like a stamp on a tramp, this beer is about not so subtle seduction. Soft but complex malts, Chambly yeast, sweet orange peel, Columbus, Amarillo, and Centennial hops have merged to create a bodacious Belgian IPA.” Pouring very cloudy, the flavor was on the lighter side. Much lighter than Galactica. Not sweeter just mellower? The finish is similar though, your typical IPA bite. Short of Mischief, this is may favorite of the Belgian type IPA’s very easy to drink and would be great with a meal or cheese plate. I will be getting some more again.
I can not wait to check out what they are bringing to Big Brew Beer Fest next weekend!