MacLean’s IPA

With its less-is-more black 473mL can emblazoned with a simple green hop, I challenge you not to buy MacLean’s IPA—I certainly couldn’t say no. The brew—a bit under-strength at just 6%—comes from MacLean’s Ales in Hanover, Ontario. According to the copy on the can, the beer is both kettle and dry hopped. The result is a an attractive, clear golden ale topped with a cap of white head.

Sadly, this dark photo does not capture the desirablilty of this simple yet attractive can.

MacLean’s IPA has a metallic jingle in its aroma, running alongside spicy floral hops. The beer has a well balanced flavour, with a relatively robust malt presence complimenting peppery hops at the finish.

Sure, I’d have liked a bit higher alcohol content and a slightly less metallic nose, but in spite of my gripes, MacLean’s IPA was a very nice little Ontario IPA—one I expect I’ll be revisiting fairly frequently.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.