Fruitless Double IPA

The aroma of this Double IPA shows itself to be distinctive right away. Absent are the citrus fruit hop aromas that have come to be expected in this style; instead, It is peppery, earthy, herbal, and musty. Low caramel maltiness supports this powerful hop aroma, along with generic, sweet esters. This DIPA pours a hazy orange color with moderate off-white head that eventually disappears entirely. Subtle spicy and resinous hop flavors lead the flavor, followed by low sweetness and stiff bitterness. The finish is resinous, sticky, and well carbonated. This beer’s strength is apparent. Although it’s what many of us have come to associate with the style, there’s no rule that says a DIPA has to be fruity or West Coast-style. The brewers of this example seem to be well aware of that, and get points for exploiting the freedom that the DIPA style allows.