Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

AleSmith Double IPA

California
United States
Alesmith Double IPA Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Description 

AleSmith has produced this mega-hopped powerhouse of an imperial India pale ale dating back to 2000. Until this year, the beer went by the admittedly confusing moniker AleSmith Summer YuleSmith, a name that in no way spoke to the beer’s style or its immense hop-borne flavors and aromas of citrus fruit, pine and resinous spice. Yet, the beer has remained a favorite of the brewery’s offerings despite its odd handle and the fact it was only ever available three months out of every year during the summer season. Both of those deficiencies have been rectified this year, with a rebrand to the straightforward AleSmith Double IPA that includes a spiffy new bottle design replete with bright-green hop buds, and a new five-month window of availability that extends from May to September. Congratulations, hoppy beer fans…summer’s been extended!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.5%
IBUs: 
105
Judges Review 
Randy Scorby's picture
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This Double IPA pours a deep amber color with near-brilliant clarity and a rocky, off-white head that seems to last forever. As you admire the appearance, a prominent grapefruit rind hop aroma bursts from the glass and slowly evolves to allow light stone fruit and a bready maltiness to emerge, with just a touch of floral alcohol. The flavor evolves even more, showcasing a prominent mixed citrus and resin hop flavor that is immediately backed up by a strong hop bitterness that doesn’t assault your palate, and helps to balance the beer's light residual sweetness. A light bready malt character, floral alcohol and mixed stone fruit emerge mid-palate to add intrigue to the pronounced hop flavor and bitterness to create a nicely balanced Double IPA.

Advertisement