With all of the uncertainty in the world, this week I’m reviewing a beer that I’m confident I, at least, will appreciate. Frequent readers of my reviews know that I’m a big fan of IPAs, APAs, and CPAs. So, when I saw Great Lakes Brewery‘s Karma Citra IPA, part of the brewery’s Tank Ten series, on the shelf at my local LCBO, I figured it was time for a “comfort beer”. I previously reviewed Great Lakes Brewery’s Canuck Pale Ale, so check out that review for information about the brewery. Now, before I’m reborn as something that can’t drink beer, let’s see how Karma Citra IPA compares to other IPAs I’ve had over my many lifetimes.
Karma Citra IPA: Great Lakes Brewery – First Sip
Karma Citra IPA pours a very cloudy straw-yellow colour with a thick layer of foam that dissipates slowly. Looking almost like apple cider, this brew defies you to look through it. Citra hops, which this IPA is brewed with, are a particular favourite of brewers looking to impart a citrus or tropical fruit flavour to their beers. As such, Karma Citra IPA has a citrus aroma that I notice as soon as I open its 473 mL can. Its great smell is good company for its bitter grain and pine flavour that fades to a subtle aftertaste of malt. Karma Citra’s mouthfeel is viscous but fizzy, providing a surprisingly crisp quality to this cloudy brew.
Karma Citra IPA: Great Lakes Brewery – Last Sip
I suggest drinking this cloudy brew from a nonic pint glass, as prescribed by the can. Although you won’t miss out on its noticeable citrus aroma, you will miss its cloudy straw-yellow colour.
In the interest of science, I tried drinking this beer straight from the can. Drinking from the can didn’t make this brew bad, but without its constant aroma and cloudy colour I felt like I was missing out. Like Great Lakes Brewery’s website, I suggest enjoying this beer with an Indian curry, but some jalapeño chips will also do nicely.
