Runes

Runes is another in a long list of subtle India Pale concoctions from Toronto's Bellwoods Brewery. This particular mixture, according to the sticker on the 500mL bottle, owes its unique character to Mosaic and Citra hops, as well as Mosaic lupulin powder. The 6.7% IPA poured a very hazy dull orange-gold colour, with a disc of off-white head.

To my experienced but unskilled schnoz, this brew packed a heady tropical aroma into a cute little package. The flavour, too, proved fruitful and pleasing, with satsuma and passion fruit notes commanding the early stages, and a strident grapefruit bitterness in the finish.

While Runes wasn't as assertive or eye-popping as some of Bellwoods' other IPA offerings, and though it tasted a bit reminiscent of some of their Monogamy offerings, I definitely think it deserves a place in the BB pantheon because it tasted like a well-made brew with some quality cards up its sleeve. Very satisfying, not terribly strong, and quite fine.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.