Overview:
“Calling Out” by Range Brewing is a Double Dry-Hopped Oat Cream IPA that emphasizes lush mouthfeel and vibrant hop expression. By integrating a generous proportion of oats and adding lactose, Range has created a beer that is as creamy as it is hop-forward. This style, emerging from the New England IPA lineage, is known for its velvety smooth texture and layers of fruity hop character.
Appearance:
Expect an inviting, hazy golden hue with a pillowy, white head. The haze hints at the dense hop oils and hefty oat additions, signaling an indulgent mouthfeel even before the first sip.
Aroma:
On the nose, the dry-hopping likely delivers an intense bouquet of tropical fruits—think ripe mango, passionfruit, and juicy peach—interlaced with zesty citrus and a subtle hint of fresh pine. The creamy component doesn’t translate directly as “sweet” on the nose, but it suggests a soft, round quality waiting in the background.
Flavour & Mouthfeel:
From the first sip, a silky, full-bodied texture sets the stage. The hop profile typically found in a DDH Oat Cream IPA will present layers of tropical fruit nectar, citrus brightness, and possibly a gentle, underlying green or herbal note. The lactose addition provides just enough sweetness to enhance the hop flavors without overwhelming the palate, making the hop-driven fruitiness pop even more vividly. The oats work in tandem with the lactose to give the beer a plush, almost decadent body.
Bitterness & Balance:
While bold with hop character, the bitterness in “Calling Out” should be smooth and restrained, allowing the juicy, fruit-forward notes to shine. The finish is likely soft and lingering, with the hop flavors gently fading into a creamy, mellow aftertaste rather than a sharp bitterness.
Overall Impression:
Range Brewing’s “Calling Out” is a quintessential DDH Oat Cream IPA—indulgently creamy, fruit-saturated, and exquisitely balanced. It’s a beer that deftly marries the plush mouthfeel of lactose and oats with the bright, vibrant flavors of modern hop varieties, offering a richly textured, comforting sip that never loses its hop-forward edge.
Vital Stats:
- Style: Double Dry-Hopped Oat Cream IPA
- Volume: 440ml
- Brewery: Range Brewing (Brisbane, QLD)