Sharp's Wolf Rock, Red IPA
Brewer: Sharp's Brewery
ABV: 4.8%
Awards: Brussels Beer Challenge Silver 2014
International Beer Challenge (Tasting) Silver 2016
International Beer Challenge Silver 2016
The Beer Awards - 3 Star Beer 2016
Aroma: Ripe Fruit, Roast Malt, Spicy
Style: IPA
Tonight I’m drinking a Red IPA from Sharps Brewery called ‘Wolf Rock’. The Brewery, based in Cornwall was founded in 1994. Their website alludes to a philosophy of making ‘exceptional quality beer on the north Cornish coast’. Well known for their ‘Doom Bar’ amber ale of which I’m a huge fan, I was intrigued by this other lesser-known weapon in their arsenal.
I have to say before we go on that this brew is somewhat overpowered by its maltiness, since I struggle to sense much else. There is a slight citrus taste to be fair, almost like lemon sherbet. I would describe the initial taste as almost like a Brooklyn Larger, albeit weaker. The flavour is there… sort of, but I find these flavours don’t linger for long and I’m left with a slight acidic aftertaste. I know some like that overt malty sweet taste but for me personally when coupled with the relatively strong 4.8% ABV, it does takeover the ale somewhat.
The ale pours a ruby red with a thin white head, whilst carbonation is minimal. The ale is medium bodied and lacks bitterness. In fact I’m inclined to go so far as say this isn’t an IPA, at least not in the traditional sense, the lack of a strong hoppy dominance doesn’t really fit the bill. Hops are the spice of a beer; they offer the bitterness to counter the sweetness of the Malts. I’d say ‘Wolf’ is more of weak bock. Despite the downbeat tone, this ale is generally a good malty ale but I want to taste more of the spices and pine that a hoppy IPA delivers.
Those with a malty disposition may well be bowled over by this ale but it’s just not doing it for me.
2.75/5
