Electric Mud: Stormglass IPA

Named in honour of an instrument designed to predict changing weather patterns that was, unbeknownst to me, apparently invented by Admiral Fitzroy, who captained Darwin’s HMS Beagle, Stormglass IPA is a 7% alcohol ale from Toronto’s Muddy York Brewing Co. Sold in 355mL cans that have a bit of nautical tattoo flair, the beer has a cloudy dull orange aspect and a sudsy layer of white head.

Stormglass has an aroma both tangy and bitter, with notes that are tart, fruity, and resinous. As for its flavour, tropical fruit—particularly passion fruit—is a driving force on the front end, while the finish is dominated by modest bitterness (40 IBUs are listed, but I’d have guessed higher) and a bit of tartness.

For me, Stormglass IPA was an effective and agreeable take on the ever-popular style. The flavour elements were slightly unusual, but not a wild departure from the classic. At 7% alcohol, the strength is just right for the style, and, while not actually relevant, the labeling really caught my eye. A bit more concentrated bitterness might have made this beer a stronger candidate, but that’s not a dealbreaker.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.