Liquid Swords IPA

Liquid Swords IPA is a 6% IPA from Bowmanville, Ontario’s Manantler Craft Brewing Co. Sold in 650mL bombers with gorgeous labels, the beer pours a handsome ruddy gold, with a substantial crown of off-white head.

Liquid Swords has an engaging aroma that matches between brown sugar maltiness and sticky, citrusy hops. The flavour belies the 6% booze bill, with a robust profile that encompasses sweet citrus and a whisper of pine sap. 

The beer, brewed, according to the Manantler website, with Cascade, Chinook, Citra, and Mosaic hops, has a decidedly West Coast vibe in an era when NEIPAs are de rigeur, and that suits me fine. I’d have liked the alcohol content to keep time with the well-muscled flavour, but if one of those two elements had to suffer, I’m glad it was percentage over flavour. Honestly, this is a very good West Coast IPA. If it got to 7% or above, it’d be a revelation.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.