Hickson I.P.A.

From Terrebonne, Quebec comes Hickson I.P.A., a murky orange India pale ale topped with a gorgeously fluffy cream head. At 6.2% alcohol and 53 IBUs, this stuff lands on the milder end of the IPA spectrum, but still promises enough heat and hops to hold the interest. This beer comes from Brasserie Les 2 Frères and is sold in very attractive 500mL bottles. While the bottles, with their gold print and hand lettering are quite beguiling, it must be observed that they are, due to their tiny, shiny script, damned hard to read.

Hickson has a bright and bounteous nose that is rich in citrus notes and also packs a suggestion of pine. Interestingly, the flavour seems (to me at least) to be the inverse, with punchy pine notes on lead and silvery citrus tones playing rhythm. 

Despite its modest stats, this ale tastes much stronger and more bitter. As so often seems to be the case with Québécois brewing, I found myself pretty taken with this stuff. It's very nicely made, flavourful, and altogether delightful. I'll be buying it again for sure. Only a few more boozes and a slightly more developed finish could make this a better beer.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.