Bronan Vermont IPA

Despite its reputation for being one of Ontario’s premiere wine-producing regions, Niagara-on-the-Lake is fast becoming known for its excellent breweries as well. This includes High Road Brewing Co., which produces Bronan Vermont IPA.

At 7.1%, Bronan doesn’t suffer fools. Sold in 473mL cans that would vex someone with trypophobia, the beer is a hazy and well-carbonated dull gold with a durable and fluffy layer of off-white head. True to style, Bronan packs a mighty aroma rich in tropical fruit notes—both sweet and a little dank. The flavour, too, delivers a great deal of juiciness—particularly passionfruit, with a bit of over-ripe mango. The back end has some sticky hops in evidence, but this is tamed by a persistent sweetness that runs from tape to tape.

In my experience, most Vermont or New England IPAs typically limit their alcohol content as well as their bitterness, but Bronan eschews that strategy, and the result is a beer that is both juicy and boozy. This gives the flavour added depth, but it also results in an ale that is just a touch too sweet to be optimal. The finish is really smashing, though—a great intersection of tropical fruit and dank hops, buoyed by healthy strength, makes for a memorable combo.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.