So most people on here know what I think of Toronto-based Kensington Brewing Co.’s Augusta Ale (hint: I really like it). So it doesn’t come as much of a shock to learn that I was pretty excited to hear about the release of their newest release, an IPA called Baldwin FishEye-PA. I was disappointed that I missed the chance to sample it at it’s debut at Bar Hop a couple of weeks ago, but was delighted to be given a can by the folks there (the can, funnily enough, was completely blank. I attached a label on to it with scotch tape).

The beer, named after the fish markets on Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, is around 6.7%ABV although I’ve been told that that will be lowered slightly for the beer’s release in to LCBOs some time in the spring of 2013 where it will be sold in tallboy cans.

Shall we get to it? Yes. Let’s.

COLOUR: pours a clear, light crimson. Similar to apple cider or orange blossom honey.

AROMA: Front end of the smell has some nice fruity and citrusy tones with a nice warm hint of pine at the back.

TASTE: Since it’s an IPA it’s no surprise that there’s a strong hop presence at the start, but the hops is holding hands with the sweet malty body ending with a slightly astringent finish before moving on to the pine notes.  Aftertaste is a bit of frutiness with another healthy dollop of pine that rounds things off somewhat nicely.

VERDICT: Although I think this is a good beer from the folks at Kensington Brewing this just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I feel that the hops could have been shown off a bit better and the slight astringent taste was a bit offputting. The pine, however, was a big and welcome surprise for me and personally would be my main reason for drinking more. While I’d really like to try this after a couple of more batches, the beer has some good character to it and will definitely match the Spring season that it plans to launch in. I also plan to try it over at one of my places on Baldwin, Thirsty & Miserable, for the true Baldwin St. Experience.