Well, the Forest series by the PÕHJALA craft brewery is maybe the most exciting beer series, at least for me. These series are made with the special addition of forest wood additions to some beers. The Birchy DDH DIPA is said to be infused with toasted Birch bark. And one more exciting fact, I found that the label perfectly matches my dining table.
I have recently had beers from the Forest series and they were always so good and with a touch of something different and classy. I bet this one will be excellent too, but let’s see. Also, on the can is said that this beer is brewed with Vista and Mosaic BBC hops. The BBC technology is a special one that is designed to keep the best taste of the hops which can be used both in whirlpool/dry hopping or for conventional use too. The hops are being processed in sub-zero temperatures which keeps the aroma oils from oxidation. The result is vary rich and flavorful hop pellets.
As for the baked birch bark, it should add additional woody notes in the final product. The birch bark is often used in culinary sphere and it is sometimes ground to a very fine powder which replaces the flour in some bread recipes. Now we will see what impact will the bark have in brewing beer.
After opening the can a very fruity and tropical aroma fills the air and you definitely can tell it is a pretty fresh and flavorful beer, even without tasting it. The color is golden yellow and the beer itself is very hazy. I cannot stop explaining that this is due the fact there is a heavy dry hopping that results in a very hazy liquid. The head is very fine and is long lasting. The foam is pretty white and delicious looking.
In the mouth beer is with medium body and all the aromatic quantities can be tasted. The overall taste is very well balanced and the wood notes are felt in the aftertaste. One interesting fact, I really caught some of the wooden aromas when having the second/third sips and the wood adds a special touch, as something very exquisite. It is like the touch that divides the regular dish from a gourmet one. It is a really little touch that makes the difference and brings this beer to another level.
I would definitely put this beer on my “want to drink again” list and will definitely look around for it, at the beer shop when I’m visiting one. Hands down, one of the most special IPAs that I had ever tasted. That’s why the Estonian PÕHJALA brewery rocks.
See you again. Have a nice day and stay safe in the summer heat.
Cheers!