Tropic Like It’s Hop by Innis & Gunn
Tropic Like It’s Hop, a Passionfruit Pale Ale, is a summertime treat from Innis & Gunn. Made with ale malt, flaked oats, mosaic hops, citra hops and passionfruit, it comes in “tall boy” cans (500 mL) and is available across Canada. The 4.4% ABV and refreshing taste makes it a great treat for the beach or backyard BBQ.
A beautiful red-gold amber, Tropic Like It’s Hop has a nice off-white froth. The strong nose carries a lot of fruit: raspberry, citrus (grapefruit), tropical fruits (that’d probably be the passionfruit). Grain notes give the fruit nose lovely depth.
When it’s well chilled or cold, the raspberry, grapefruit and tropical fruit hit the palate hard, followed very quickly by the hops and then a short, astringent finish. Light-bodied and almost watery, it’s a fast experience. Blink and you miss it.
Then, Tropic Like It’s Hop warms up and the experience changes. It becomes light- to medium-bodied, with the hops dominating the palate. Fruit – raspberry, grapefruit, passionfruit – plays the supporting character, teasing the tongue rather than assaulting it. The smooth finish lingers a bit longer.
Tropic Like It’s Hop is not a beer for anyone who doesn’t like fruity drinks (though you should at least try it… just remember to let it warm up in the glass first). It’s supposed to be fun, tropical and summery, and we think it hit the mark on all three.