Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Alpha Abstraction Vol. 27 by Wild Leap Brew Co.

Double IPA | Limited Release | USA

By Jim Koebel

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 17

Alpha Abstraction Vol. 27 by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a Double IPA brewed by Wild Leap Brew Co. and is being judged as BJCP Category 22A, Double IPA.
This Double IPA starts out with a pulpy, juicy hop aroma. It is dense with orange, grass and pith notes. There is an underlying layer of clean malt and a twinge of ethanol. This beer pours hazy and also has a starchy appearance. It is yellow-orange in color and has a tall, dense, white head. The flavor is quite bitter, which intensifies even more in the finish. The flavor predominantly resembles grapefruit and is also peppery. In other words, it brings the hops. This beer has a medium-full body and is well carbonated, creating a very filling sip. It is warm in the finish and, thankfully, not at all astringent despite the high level of hop additions. Overall, this DIPA is notable for its substantial body and density. It leans into bitterness and the pith components of its fruit character. This is a showcase of what can be achieved with a heavy-handed emphasis on late-addition dry-hopping.