Apotheosis | Third Moon Brewing
Score: 96/100 - world-class
From a 473ml can served cool at 9 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Packaged on: 22/JUL/2020 - making this 4 weeks old. Fresh from the brewery - I can't wait to try this. My expectations are high.
Appearance (6/6)
The beer pours a hazy gold with 6cm of creamy, dense, white head which dissipates into a craggy cap within 4+ minutes. Exceptional lacing with great head retention. World class.
Aroma (24/24)
Strong intensity with great balance. The aroma is - my goodness - like what an orange creamsicle tastes like. Well, there's more to it... absolutely gorgeous citrus (sweet orange/tangerines + lime) leads the way with more subtle tropical fruit (passion fruit + mango + coconut) as a follow up. Moderate woody hops along with considerable herbaceous character, a touch of spice, and mild, perfumy alcohol create additional layers which make for a wildly complex aroma. The dry nose is fruity-herbal with a light toasted grain character.
Flavour (38/40)
Follows the aroma with strong intensity, good balance, and pronounced perceived bitterness. The juicy, salty-sweet palate opens up with notes of ripe tangerines, salted mango, and lime moving towards a splendorous center where notes of moderate pine and herbs pair with low spice, zesty citrus, sweet tropical fruit, and a touch of stone fruit. Let's not forget our pal alcohol (restrained) and a bready-crackery malt. The long finish is strong and bitter-ish with notes of tangerines, cream, pine, herbs, lemon, and low bready-crackery malt. Absolutely delicious.
Mouthfeel (10/10)
Full body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is super creamy and thick with restrained alcohol warming and an off-dry finish. No astringency or harshness on the palate. So plush - outstanding.
Overall (18/20)
Third Moon Brewing's Apotheosis is a world-class hazy DIPA. A handsome fella - exceptional appearance which sets the stage for a staggering flavour complexity. The mouthfeel delivers a pillowy, creamy AF experience on the palate and it manages not to hammer it to death. Apotheosis makes for one helluva ride for the senses. Since I consider this a beer worth seeking out - I highly recommend you try it. This is getting really close to perfect 100 - there are some edges (temperature-related mouthfeel) and a lack of an ineffible intrigue that would get it there. A rare treat. My favourite Third Moon to date. Two more IPA's to go...