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Hop Science

Maine
United States
Hop Science, Baxter Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Description 

For the better part of this decade, Baxter Brewing has been known throughout New England as the brewery that puts the hops into the cans. There have been a lot of developments in hop varieties and brewing techniques in that time and now the old guard is up to some new tricks. For this brewing project, we decided to take a fresh look at the science of yeast and hop synergy and develop another iteration of Hop Science. One part yeast biochemistry, one part hop variety and processing innovation and a whole bunch of Brewer nerdery, we bring you the most aromatic and juicy IPA we have ever put in a can. So put on your lab coat, get out a 12 ounce beaker and engage in some sensory analysis with us!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.8%
IBUs: 
25
Served at: 
38 - 40º F
Hops: 
El Dorado, Idaho 7, Galaxy, Amarillo
Malts: 
Two-row, White Wheat, Flaked Oats, Caramel Malt Pils, Oat Malt
Judges Review 
Dan Preston's picture
Judges Rating:
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Hop Science by Baxter Brewing Co. is an IPA, but of the New England style so it will be judged under BJCP 2015 category 21B as Specialty IPA. This beer pours a deep straw color with a nearly opaque level of haze as well as a bright white head that clings to the glass. The aroma is a citrusy blend of hops - tangerine, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, mango - as well as some lemongrass and floral notes. Beyond the hops is some light fruity esters (pear) and bread-like wheaty malt. The flavor is hop forward as well, keeping with the citrus tone (orange, grapefruit, lemon) and more floral notes, and a med-high bitterness that lingers. It has a light, grainy 2row like malt as well as some bready wheat notes. The body is med-light, with a med-high carbonation and slight astringency in the finish along with the lingering bitterness.

The beer comes off as a blend of standard American IPA and the New England sub-style. It’s moderately hoppy with a fruity nature, but it lacks the juiciness and it’s more bitter than the typical New England IPA. The higher bitterness, plus some astringency, also keep away the usual pillowy mouthfeel, for a more standard one. Certainly nothing wrong with that, I was just expecting a more hop-packed brew based on the description. 

Brewery Introduction

From summiting peaks to heading upta camp, there... Read More