Hopsickle is an Imperial IPA from the Moylan's Brewery of Novato, CA. This big Imperial IPA uses Tomahawk, Chinook and Anthanum hops.It won Platinum at the 2006 World Beer Championships, Gold at the 2007 Great American Beer Festival, and has taken awards from the California State Fair, and the North American Brewers Association competition.
I bought this at the Moylan's brewery. It has an ABV of 9.2%
The beer pours a clear amber with a big head that quickly disappears and leaves, think webby lacings. The aroma is assertive and has strong citrus and pine hops, with notes of floral and earthy hops and a sweet malt backbone. The taste has powerful fruity, citrus hops up front followed by bitter pine and herb hops with a light sweet malt backbone through out.
The first sip is a big punch of hops and bitterness, but as you drink the taste becomes a bit fruitier. The body is medium with lower than usual carbonation. Overall its a smooth mouthfeel feel that gives a creamy feeling.Overall I like this beer. If you compare it to the king of this style, Pliny, the finish isn't as smooth, the malts are a bit lighter, but the big hop flavors are there. If you like big West Coast hops, this is a good one. It also hides the high ABV really well. The flavors are big and bold so be prepared for some hop flavor and bitter bite.
Agreed, probably one of the best IPA's I've ever had. I'd buy it more often if it didn't cost $7.99 a bottle.
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