18
Background
Craft Beer Base Hop Schema 045 is a 7% American IPA from Craft Beer Base Lab, based in Osaka, Kansai. It is available in both bottles and on draught. As the name suggests, it is part of their Hop Schema series, and uses solely Styrian Dragon hops. These hops are used during the boil and also for dry hopping. Styrian Dragon hops originally come from Slovenia and are best used as aroma hops.
At A Glance
- ABV : 7%
- Style : American IPA
- Hops : Styrian Dragon
- Adjuncts : Yellow koji
- IBU : 32
Sale Information
- Availability : Limited
- On Sale : From November 2024
- Size : 330 ml
Craft Beer Base Hop Schema 045 : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
The beer poured out a dark honey colour – much darker than I would like from an American IPA. I must admit, that I was a bit unnerved to see it that dark. There was a massive amount of light frothy white head on top. However, it did collapse pretty fast, with a few streaks down the side of the glass.
Yet it was in the aroma that this beer was outstanding. I try not to use those guides on the bottle as help. However, this beer smelt exactly like the aroma profile. Lashings of strawberry and marmalade like aroma coming off, even when the beer was cold. More so when it had warmed up. As it warmed up, there was indeed a touch of peach present, but not in an phenolic manner. The aroma was intense, and complex, and interesting. On the whole, it smelt fantastic.
I was hesitant to drink it as I didn’t want to be disappointed. On the contrary, there was no need to worry. The body to the beer was like the nose. A mixed up jammy flavour of strawberries and oranges. Combined with the peach flavour, it was a delight to drink. In addition, there was a light bitterness throughout drinking, yet not enough to detract from the fruitiness of the beer.
The Bottom Line
This beer took me by surprise. A delicious hop that I would love to see more of in a beer.
Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
