Deschutes Foray Belgian IPA

Deschutes Foray I.P.A. Belgian Style I.P.A. Alc. by Vol 6.4%. 22 oz. bomber. Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR.

They've done the Cascadian Dark (aka Black IPA), made a white IPA one of their mainstays, now, finally, at last, a Belgian IPA from one of the best, and one of my favorites, in the whole USA. Everything these guys do is good. What about this one?

Appearance: clouded, straw golden hue, huge, vast ivory head. Looks fantastic.

Aroma: floral, citrus, and spice. Gorgeous. Nicely hopped. Already, I'm getting the idea that this is not the American style of a Belgian IPA, but maybe an American version of the Belgian Belgian IPA.

What the hell am I talking about? This. There are two kinds of Belgian IPAs. There's the one started, I think, by Victory, with their Wild Devil IPA, wherein an American IPA, sometimes a West Coast-style, is inoculated with Belgian yeast, sometimes wild ones. It was highly popularized by Flying Dog's Raging Bitch, which is now their most top beer. It is represented locally by Harriet's West Side.

The second kind is the type originating from Belgium. One of the first was Urthel Hop-It, which was inspired by American Double IPAs, but which used European ingredients. Other entries include Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor and Brasserie D'achouffe's Houblon Chouffe IPA, which include some American hops, but don't resemble American IPAs at all. Some hoppy Belgian ales have been retroactively added to the category, like Poperings Hommel Bier.

So, let's look at this again and see where it lies. Citrus-y, floral hops hang on the palate at first, then softly fade back at bit. Body and mouthfeel is light, finish is soft. Not at hotbed of bitterness, this, it's cool, calm, keen and nicely hopped. Light maltiness, just enough hops…we're going for Belgian IPA #2. Not too this, not too that, firmly Euro-style, not overly hoppy, not too strong. Ah, yeah…

Hey, let's read the label: "Foray is all about the journey. Belgian yeast delivers hints of apple and pear which blend with the citrus hop aroma for a clean, even finish. So no matter where you're heading, this is a trip worth taking."

All in all, though, it didn't make a very strong impression with me. Seems to be strongly in the second camp of Belgian IPAs, the Euro-style, and that's not a problem, but this one didn't go the distance. Not bad, just ....not spectacular. But, it's beer and you can drink it.