Prop Stopper

Blue Point’s Prop Stopper Seaweed IPA (judged under BJCP Category 30A, Spice/Herb/Vegetable Beer) is a good IPA dressed up as a specialty beer! I don’t know that the seaweed added anything of particular note, but there’s a really solid IPA in there.

The beer pours a dark gold, brightly clear, with a low white head. The initial aroma is of tropical fruit and a light pine/grassy note (which I think could include the seaweed, but it was hard to disentangle it from the others!). A low, warm alcohol note and just a bit of biscuit round out the aroma, with no change as it warmed.

Medium-high bittering hits the palate first, along with a low honey-and-grain maltiness. The hops are less apparent here, but still present, competing with a moderate spicy/sweet alcohol presence. The finish is balanced, with a lingering low buzz of bitterness. The beer is moderately warming in the mouth, with moderate carbonation and body, along with a slight prickling sensation that I put down to alcohol.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining beer and a competent IPA. I’m not sure just what the seaweed adds – would love to try it side-by-side with a “straight” version of the recipe – but it certainly didn’t hurt. Even if it’s just a novelty, it was a perfect pairing for a warm day by the beach!