Flying Tiger "Final Resting Place" Double IPA

I was originally going to comment on the fact that this is a departure from the 40's-style military theme that Flying Tiger has been riding high on for a while now. However, closer inspection of the graphic shows a pretty horrifying prop-engine plane semi-submerged in water with a crow standing on the wing. It's a strange vibe to decide to foment when the person buying the beer is expected to just sit back and enjoy the beverage.

The murky orange beer has a somewhat predictable cluster of white bits that fall to the bottom of the glass while the off-white head does not erupt particularly vibrantly from the can, and it settles quickly to an incomplete and uneven layer on top of the beer with a ghost ring around the sides of the glass. The aroma is a delightful mix of citrus and tropical fruits that absolutely makes my mouth water. 

First sip is, as it says on the can, a "departure from hops as [I] know them." They start out seemingly normal, but everything seems to take a left turn about midway through the sip. Scratch that. Maybe two thirds of the way through the sip. The beer turns tart - almost moving to sour seemingly out of nowhere. Is that good? I don't think so, but it IS a departure. 

Tip-in is mild carbonation tingle over grapefruit, mango, and orange. The middle is a rolling carbonation wave with fruits on its crest and an indistinct and weak malt underneath; this is not like any DIPA I've had before already. The finish is a sudden dryness with a muted version of the tartness that was in the sip, and the sweet fruits on the lips stave off any sour while allowing a mild bitterness.

Bottom Line: Different, and good enough

2.5/5