Judge’s Review: 86 Rating – Grave Digger IPA by Tombstone Brewing Co.

American IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Nelson Crowle

Judges Rating: 86.00
Aroma: 21.00
Appearance: 6.00
Flavor: 35.00
Mouthfeel: 8.00
Overall Impression: 16.00

This beer was evaluated as a BJCP 2021 American IPA (21A). The beer pours an almost clear deep amber leaning towards copper color with a generous light tan head that dissipates fairly quickly but returns when swirled. There is a light toasty aroma, but only in a supporting role for the hop tangerine and grapefruit character, along with some interesting fruity notes like pineapple. The flavor echoes the aroma with a slight toasty malt note but adds a moderate caramel note. In the flavor, the hops are crisp with bright citrusy notes leaning towards tangerine and mandarin orange. There is a substantial pine tree component, and as the beer warms, the caramel becomes more prominent, particularly in the long bitter finish. Bitterness is fairly firm, which almost balances out the residual caramel sweetness, making this more of a medium-body beer. Overall a very enjoyable hoppy bitter American IPA with maybe just a bit too high of a caramel component that tends to distract slightly from the nice hop presentation. With caramel notes and sweetness, but palate cleansing bitterness, this beer would go great with a salty and herbal seasoned rib eye steak, medium rare, with roasted thinly sliced potatoes.