Bentspoke Brewing Co - Crankshaft IPA - Beer Review

Review Date: 14/2/2022
Brewery Name: Bentspoke Brewing Co (Braddon, ACT, Australia)
Beer Name: Crankshaft IPA

"Similar to a West Coast IPA. Floral nose with notes of citrus and pine. Medium bodied with a nice punch of hops and a solid malt finish. Crankshaft won a silver medal at the 2017 International Brewing Awards. A great beer for lovers of big full flavoured brews - it cranks! Crankshaft was the highest ranked IPA in the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers Poll for 2018, for the second year in a row."

Bentspoke Brewing Co - Crankshaft IPA Can

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 5.8% (Standard)

Label/Design: 8/10

Serving Style: Can

Region of Origin: Pacific (Australia, New Zealand)

Style Family: IPA

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Ekuanot, Simcoe, Citra, Centennial

IBU's: 35

Appearance

Colour: Deep Gold

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor (Up to 15 secs)

Moderate (15 - 60 secs)

Good (more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying (Excessive)

Astringency: 

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel: 

Light Bodied (Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied (Light + Full)

Full Bodied (Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation: 

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short (Up to 15 seconds)

Medium (15 to 60 seconds)

Long (More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Bentspoke Brewing Co - Crankshaft IPA in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 9/10

Overall Impression: 9/10

Notes

It's easy to see why this is Gabs #1 rated beer for 2021 and has won countless other awards in the past. It's just so likeable and easy to drink. Loads of hop presence, with a moderate bitterness but it doesn't linger too long or leave a lasting bitterness on the palate like a lot of other IPA's do. Medium/light mouthfeel and a decent dose of alcohol makes it a well balanced package. Fruit notes across the spectrum from citrus to tropical fruit with a really nice neutral finish. If you haven't tried this one yet then do yourself a favour and do so - you won't be disappointed.