BEER: Modus Operandi Future Factory IIIPA

Here’s a beer that questions just how much is ‘too much’, the Modus Operandi Future Factory IIIPA.

Released on Friday, this hazy 10% alcohol triple IPA may as well have frankenbeer written all over it. Just add some local botanicals (and fruit).

Still, while many IIPAs (let alone IIIPAs) are hardgoing, there’s a sense of restraint in this beast. Frankenbeer, but it can sidestep. Galaxy passionfruit on the nose, then a palate that is robust, in a hop driven, NEIPA cloudy richness mode, with malt a late inclusion in the starting XI (but still playing down the order) and alcohol sweetness batting on the tail (though not heat). What I really like is the smoothness – it’s quite rounded, the alcohol folding into the textural width.

The question then is whether it’s drinkable. I don’t think I could empty more than one (4 standard drink) can in a single sitting, despite it’s balance. It’s just too chunky, and I found myself thinking ‘shit that’s a big beer’ at regularly intervals. But I admire this too – it’s beer on steroids, but with no ‘roid rage. Just irrepressible power.

To use a wine comparison, think Chris Ringland’s 3 Three Rivers Shiraz. OTT in one breath, unbelievably concentrated and magnificent in another. And I’m happy to have 3 more of these still to drink.

10%, 4.5 stars. $56 a 4 pack. Would I buy it again? Yes, but a case would be way too much.