I got this on Tap at Dad's Kitchen. It has an ABV of 9%.
The beer pours a pale amber color, with a thin head that leaves decent lacings. The aroma has assertive piney hops with notes of citrus hops and sweet malts. The taste is all about the piney hops and a big bite. There is a malt backbone, but it's often broken by the assertive, powerful pine. The carbonation was good the body was what you expect from a Double IPA. The finish was again, the pine hops. However, it did not linger long.
Overall, I'm not a fan of this beer. If 5 years ago someone gave it too me and said this was a Double IPA, I proably would have been impressed. But, having tasted many Double IPAs that are able to extract the flavor while taming the bite, this beer falls short on execution. I like a hop bite. I like piney hops. But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. And that's the story of hoptologist.
Thanks for the heads up about you being at Dad's, you know, with me right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I like the Hoptologist. It agree it didn't taste much like a double IPA, however, I disagree with the piney reference.
I think it lacked the sustained hoppiness and smooth texture that I prefer in a double IPA, but it makes up for it in aroma and decent overall flavor. It is more like a combination of a hoppy IPA, amber and red ale.
Chris, your taste buds need a disclaimer - you are a huge fan of IPA 395 with its juniper and sage. So I guess if you love IPA 395 you'll find Hoptologist ok.
ReplyDeleteJust because you have poor taste, doesn't mean that you need to hate on the 395. I thought all views were welcome on this blog to represent all blogs in Northern Cali?
ReplyDelete