It's Past Noon, Have A Beer
We snuck in some beers from Modern Times and Deep Cove. Let’s talk about it.
Tristan Young @talltristan
Another week in the decade that is spring 2020 is done. No doubt the emergency supply of Banquet Coors and Old Millies is running a little low. As you plan your ride into the open world to restock, keep in mind getting a couple of fun one offs or large formats. We recently tried some small batches that hit the spot and scratched that itch to learn more about the world of craft beer.
First stop was the Modern Times Singular Rhythms Gewurztraminer Saison. Modern Times is a brewery/coffee roaster based out of San Diego. Since their doors opened in 2013, they have done quite well for themselves. Tasting rooms, restaurants and shipments have stretched all along the coast up to the Pacific Northwest. Their Singular Rhythms is aged in French oak foeder barrels imparting a vanilla scented creaminess to the beer. It’s brewed with New Zealand Nelson Sauvignon hops, which exhibit flavours such as gooseberries and white grapes, for purposes of both aromatics as well as a mid alpha acid bittering agent. As the name implies, the beer is also fermented with the skins of gewurztraminer grapes, imparting not just an additional dose of sugar, but lychee and floral characteristics.
That candied lychee definitely came through on the nose, as did honey and grapefruit. Not a ton of bitterness was apparent but a surprising note of apricot cropped up. While it hits you in the mouth on first sip it is overall very smooth. The oak vanilla and sharp citrus blend together very well, softening the bitterness and acidity. The sugar content from the gewurzt grapes adds a touch of additional viscosity as well. Fun fact- Modern Times gets its name from a cult like hippie commune on the East Coast dating back to the 1850s that was a model for what their core values aspire to. Weird!
Next on the block, we bounced back to our province and tried out the Deep Cove Brewing Hazy IPA. Also around since 2013, Deep Cove is nestled in the furthest north-eastern limits of the North Van area. They are a craft certified brewery, indicating, among other things, they use only BC fruits, grains, and produce, brew in small batches, and brew entirely on site. Their take on IPA is heavy on the citrus with predominate mandarin and grapefruit, according to their own assessment. Even as far as IPAs go, this one was a big boy. You might feel the headache coming on but it’s worth it. It had a subtle nose and a hefty dose of bitterness, however it came in early and mid palette, not on the finish. It tapered off with a much fluffier and creamy mouth feel. It ends light and juicy, specifically with an orange characteristic. While it may not be sessionable, it had a explicitly unique flavour profile, making for one of the more memorable IPAs we’ve had a recent memory. If you see these at the store grab a few tallies and get yourself IPA-faced.