This is one of the last Canadian beers I have left to review, courtesy of my friends (and fellow beer reviewers) Sam and Emma. ‘Bear Hug IPA’ is from Market Brewing Company based in Newmarket, Ontario. On the can it has the statement of ‘Strong Beer’ which it certainly is, coming in at 7% ABV. The beer has been dry-hopped with El Dorado, Amarillo and Columbus, all known hops but not the typical classics that people have in their top three list.

The brew pours a hazy orange colour with a thick white head. Rather a lot of sediment in this can. Great nose on it with lots of citrus fruits and hints of pineapple too. The body is solid too with a mellow balanced bitterness. Juicy and fruity with that pineapple coming through as well as grapefruit and a degree of piney-ness.

A quick note on the can art: Nice and simple can design. Just their logo, the name and the beer info on an orange background with a bear peaking around the right hand side.

Not a drop dead show stopped by any means but ‘Bear Hug’ is a very tasty IPA. You certainly get a kick of the booze at the end but not too overpowering when in conjunction with the other elements. Certainly pour extremely carefully with this one and take care when handling as there was a fair amount of sediment present. Proper IPA and one I’d try again for sure.

Score: 7.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: El Dorado, Amarillo and Columbus
• Malt: Golden Promise, Pale ale
• IBU: 55
• ABV: 7%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!