Multiple Beer Review: Envie & Envie 4XDH (Parish Brewing Co.)

Some days are more difficult than others. Not every day at work is going to be easy. Those are just some facts of life. Rarely though, should the type of day call for two beers immediately. Today however, was a little special. After mowing the lawn I cracked open the cooler and pulled out an Envie and its quad-hopped sibling: Envie 4XDH. Parish isn’t always available outside of Louisiana, especially this far north. I’d imagine some of you are jealous. Now it’s my job to make you ENVIE-ous. Let’s see what makes both of these beers tick! Also, not apologizing for that pun.

The Beer(s)

Beer: Envie
Brewery: Parish Brewing Co.
Style: Pale Ale – American
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 42 IBU
Untappd Description: “Parish Envie is brewed with loads of citrusy American hops to create an assertive, yet balanced American Pale Ale. We’ve used sweet caramel malts to mesh harmoniously with a dominant hop taste and aroma. Take a sip, embrace the hops, and repeat.“
Enjoy In: Teku, IPA Glass
Enjoy At: 50-55 degree Fahrenheit

Beer: Envie 4XDH
Brewery: Parish Brewing Co.
Style: Pale Ale – American
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: N/A
Untappd Description:“Envie dry hopped with exactly 4 times the quantity of Citra used in our original recipe.“
Enjoy In: Teku, IPA Glass
Enjoy At: 50-55 degree Fahrenheit

The Review(s)

Having had Parish once before with their exceptional Ghost in the Machine, I was a little more comfortable writing something different this time: two beers in a head-to-head. Unlike Ghost, Envie and the 4XDH version are considered Pale Ales. Both are noticeably hoppier than Ghost, which I find interesting because Ghost is a full-blown IPA (Double NE IPA).

Envie

Sniff the glass and the straw gold liquid yields a light aroma of gorgeous hops and the faintest hints of citrus. Drinking the beer is just as light as the smell. That’s not a bad remark, quite the opposite in truth. What it means is that the beer is not only exceptionally easy to drink, but also crushable. Easy to crush, but there is a lingering dryness that will have you craving something…wetter. Sitting at 5.5% it is mission accomplished as Envie is perfect for warm weather and after activity consumption. Go on and eat a bigger meal as Envie won’t weigh you down. Want another? Have three! That low ABV also does wonders for not getting in the way. No clouded vision here, folks!

My Untappd Score: ****-1/4
Global Rating: 3.88 (as of 10/24/19)

Envie 4XDH

If Envie was the light, straw-colored, and dry brew, then 4XDH is thicker, richer, danker, and equally as dry. Immediately the vapors emanating from the bottle were brighter and sweeter. Biggest difference? The Citra is not hiding behind any other hops and instead rides forth upon their backs. CHARGE! Still clocking in at svelte 5.5%, the mouthfeel is almost chewy by comparison. As smooth as the “regular” Envie, 4XDH lets the Citra hops sing and do their thing. In spite of the light ABV, 4XDH does not come across as a crushable beer (though you totally could). A lot of this has to do with the overall texture because 4XDH is noticeably weightier, having a fuller presence than the normal Envie.

My Untappd Score: ****-1/4
Global Rating: 4.36 (As of 10/24/19)

Prost!

-J.Doncevic