Groundtap Tap Tengu : Background
Groundtap Tap Tengu is an 8.5% double IPA from Groundtrap Brewery, based in Ehime, Kagawa. It’s part of their canned and draught lineup, and is also part of their limited lineup. It’s brewed with Amarillo, Chinook, Citra, and Strata CGX hops, with the latter being a new one for me to try. The can’s design is inspired by Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, towers over Saijo City. The label features the Great Tengu, a god said to have lived there.
Groundtap Tap Tengu : At A Glance
- ABV : 8.5%
- Style : Double IPA
- Hops : Amarillo, Chinook, Citra, and Strata CGX
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : –
Groundtap Tap Tengu : Sale Information
- Availability : Limited
- On Sale : January 2024
- Size : 370 ml
Groundtap Tap Tengu : Appearance
Slight chill haze to an otherwise clear body. Light orange-brown with a thin layer of bubbles on top that left some streaks down the side of the glass.
Groundtap Tap Tengu : Aroma
Not great to be honest – seems to have been inspired by English IPAs with the oxidised nose to the beer. Light resinous tones throughout drinking with some citrus notes, but more unpleasant aromas than niceties to the beer. Light malt sweetness resides in the background.
Groundtap Tap Tengu : Taste
Again, there’s a weird undercurrent of flavours in this beer. It’s not an easy one to get though for sure and I am unsure as to how it passed through the QC checks. Definite English IPA flavours with a buttery oxidised flavour pervading throughout, alongside some hints of nice citrus flavours, but not much. The off flavours lingered during drinking and came close to a drain pour.
Groundtap Tap Tengu : The Bottom Line
Swing and a miss from Groundtap Brewery with this beer.
Groundtap Tap Tengu : Where to Buy
Groundtap Tap Tengu can be bought online at the following places:
