Sunday, March 30, 2014

March 1, 2014 Show


This week we sat down and tried a variety of Double IPA's and all the hopheads rejoiced.  This is certainly a category that continues to grow with a huge variety of experimentation occurring.  Freddie was also instructed to find a guest that enjoyed hoppy beers otherwise it could have been a very difficult show!

Dogfish Head- 75 Minute IPA: This is quite easily one of the easiest drinking IPA's available today.  This is a beer that finely walks the line between IPA and DIPA as it is actually a blend of 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute IPA that is aged with maple syrup to give it an extremely smooth and easy drinking characteristic.  The hops are certainly present but not dominant!

Coronado Brewing Co- Idiot IPA: A favorite amongst those who have had this beer, but we felt that this was a DIPA that does not get its fair shake as a fantastic example of the style.  The pine and citrus hops hit up front but is very nicely balanced against a fairly sweet malt bill.

Stone Brewing Co.- Ruination IPA:  The beer that is feared and revered amongst hopheads.  This is a beer that revels in its unbalanced flavors.  The hops hit up front, in the middle, and finish the beer off.  Although this aggressive hopping is just what you want when you purchase a beer such as this and is one that needs no introduction to IPA lovers, but one that is highly recommended if you are looking to really understand the style.

Green Flash Brewing Co.- Palate Wrecker: Again another beer that lives up to its name and is not afraid of asserting itself.  Also a big beer in the ABV range coming in at 9.5% ABV.  Despite the insane amount of hops throughout the beer it still maintains a fantastic balance.  While newbies to the style will find this one a bit more difficult to drink, once you are acclimated it is surprisingly easy drinking.  Another great IPA from a brewery that produces some of the best IPA's on the market!


This weeks special 5th beer from the dark recesses of Derek's refrigerator:


Weyerbacher Brewing  Co.- Unfiltered Double Simcoe IPA: Many IPA drinkers are familiar with Weyerbacher's fantastic Double Simcoe IPA with its heavy handed use of the Simcoe hop, but the unfiltered version that the brewery produces in limited quantities is just as enjoyable and surprisingly different.  The unfiltered version leaves more hop residue behind and imparts more tropical fruit characteristics along with a thicker body feel.  A very interesting side by side comparison if you are able to get your hands on both versions.

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