North East Beer Review

A collaboration of brewers which major pedigree in the craft brewing scene. This is collaboration brings together an Estonian brewer with a German brewer to create a Double Dry Hopped Double IPA. Mindcatcher by Pühaste Brewery in collaboration with Sudden Death Brewing create an 8% ABV can of delicious hop forward flavours. So during the course of this review I will cover the history of the breweries and beer, the pour, the taste and aroma and finally my verdict.

Tartu meets Lübeck

Pühaste Brewery was first thought about in 2011 by head brewer Eero Mander and he has steadily crafted one of Estonia’s most respected craft brewers with a vast international reputation. This story began during experimentation with home brewing in the small Estonian village of Pühaste. What started as a hobby gained attention with local craft beer fans for its creative recipes and high quality brewing techniques.

Pühaste began as a nomadic brewer by producing beers at other breweries whilst at the same time building a reputation in the European scene. Eventually, in 2016 Pühaste opened its own brewery in Tartu, Estonia, producing a range of styles including stouts, barrel aged beer, hazy IPAs and experimental small batch releases. Pühaste is especially admired for its “Silver Series” barrel-aged beers, which are highly regarded among craft beer enthusiasts worldwide. Today, the brewery exports beers across Europe and beyond, helping establish Estonia as an emerging force in modern craft brewing.

Sudden Death Brewing Co. was in founded in Northern Germany in 2018 by friends Olli and Ricky, whose interest in craft brewing came the American brewing culture and Ice Hockey. After travelling to the United States to the NHL team the Boston Bruins, the pair discovered their love for New England IPAs, especially the juicy hop forwards Hazy IPAs. Once back in Germany, they began brewing their own styles which started as small batch brews to becoming one of Germany’s most respected craft brewers.

The name of brewery ‘Sudden Death’ which is basically meaning the next goal or score wins. As of today, Sudden Death Brewing is known for its can artwork, hop forward IPAs, pastry stouts and creative collaborations. Their beers combine creativity with bold flavours.

Mindcatcher is a collaboration between Pühaste and Sudden Death, who came together to brew a Double Dry Hopped Double IPA which is hopped with Nectaron, Citra, Citra Incognito and HQG-1. This collaboration was made to showcase the modern hazy IPA style. Pouring the signature unfiltered appearance, this produces a heavily hop forward flavours of tropical fruits, citrus, peach, grapefruit and lime. All of this to create a smooth drinking IPA with a staggering 8% ABV. Mindcatcher represents the growing collaboration culture within the European craft beer scene, where breweries from different countries work together to push flavour innovation and modern brewing techniques.

A juicy and lively pour

Mindcatcher pours a thick golden to orange colour which is opaque in nature with a look similar to mango juice. A foamy white head forms which lingers and leaves a considerable amount of lacing down the glass. The carbonation is lively but controlled which supports the creamy mouthfeel. Overall, this heavily hazy beer that has an intense vibrant colour from the dry hopping brew process.

A bold and hop saturated flavour profile

Aroma

The aroma of Mindcatcher is an intensely hop forward experience which explodes out of the glass. This includes massive flavours of mango, pineapple, peach and passionfruit which is backed up by citrus flavours of orange and grapefruit. Beneath this, is resinous and dank edge which adds an extra degree of depth. As it warms, tropical flavours continue to release which gives this a sweet edge reminiscent of juice. The malt base is not too recognisable over the extremely hop forward nature. Overall, an immensely flavoured experience which is vibrant and remarkably inviting.

Taste

Mindcatcher delivers an immense bold wave of tropical hop forward flavours such as juicy mango, pineapple, peach and passionfruit. This burst is followed by a citrus zest such as grapefruit and orange. The DDH nature adds extra hop saturation which adds intensity and a pleasant bitterness. A soft malt-base adds a soft nature to this beer which adds a small degree of balance. Beneath the tropical burst, is a dank and resinous note which is more accompanying than overpowering. The finish is clean and leaves a lingering citrus flavour that encourages another sip. The mouthfeel is soft, creamy and full bodied. Overall, Mindcatcher captures everything fans look for in a modern collaboration Double IPA, massive hop aroma, juicy flavour, and excellent drinkability.

Time for my verdict

If you are looking for an immensely and I mean immensely hop forward Double IPA, you can’t go wrong with. Mindcatcher. This Pühaste and Sudden Death collaboration shows the very best of a New England style collaboration allowing for the hops to shine whilst maintaining drinkability despite the 8% ABV. The bitterness is pleasant and the alcohol warmth barely detectable. I feel this is a brilliant example of a modern day hazy IPA and I will keep my eyes peeled for more from both breweries. I will score this a great 4.5 out of 5. Cheers

Where did I purchase this beer?

I bought this beer from The House of Trembling Madness in York. This is a great bottle shop and ale house. I highly recommend checking it out.

Thanks for reading my beer review. If you enjoyed this beer review, you will love my review of German brewed Brewdog Analogue Dream.