Judge’s Review: 91 Rating – Alpha Abstraction, Vol. X by Wild Leap Brew Co.

Double IPA | Limited Release | United States

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 91
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 17

Alpha Abstraction Vol. X by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the Double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol content style, Double IPAs are fairly drinkable and lack a heavy malty body, which are more typical traits of beers of this alcohol content. Alpha Abstraction X (the tenth volume of the Alpha Abstraction series) is dry-hopped with Strata and Cashmere hops and measures in at 8.0 percent ABV.
Alpha Abstraction Vol. X pours dark golden, is very hazy, and sports a big, fluffy off-white head. The aroma is of moderately strong piney and resiny hops along with a hint of malt. The flavor again features aggressive piney and resiny hops with a hint of malt and a touch of sweetness. The beer finishes moderately bitter with prominent piney and resiny hops and a hint of malt.
This is a very good Double IPA. The hop levels are prominent and the hop flavors have some depth. But, the malt is a bit subdued compared to typical examples and the bitterness is on the low side of the style. Regardless, this is a very good, hop-forward beer that all hop heads will enjoy. Hop heads rejoice!