Notch 9
Smartmouth Brewing Co.
Story by:
Chris Guest
Double IPA
Year-Round
Virginia
United States
Judges Ratings 90
Aroma: 22 / 24
Flavor: 35 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
Notch 9 gets its unusual name from the 8 notch positions on a locomotive’s throttle, with each one delivering progressively more power. Notch 9 ratchets it even higher. It is a double IPA with a citrusy aroma from a crazy amount of dry hops. As it flows over your palate, you’ll sense grapefruit and pine. It washes down with a dry crisp finish. Incredibly smooth and straw in color, it delivers the goods on strength. Sip this beer alongside a plate of cured meats or bacon to boost the umami and saltiness of the dish. Pair it with a funky cheese like Stilton or sharp cheddar.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 9.10%
IBUs: 105
Served at: ()
Hops: Centennial, Columbus, Falconer’s Flight 7C’s , Simcoe
Malts: Carapils, Crystal 20L, Pilsner
Judges Review
By Jim Koebel
Judges Ratings 90
Aroma: 22 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 35 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 10 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
This Double IPA explodes with dense, citrusy hop aromas along with noticeable alcohol aromas. It is gold-colored and hazy with a wispy white head that rouses very well. The flavor contains citrus peel, grapefruit and hop resin with a sturdy and neutral malt backbone. It is quite bitter and dry. It finishes crisply with lingering resinous hop flavor and a pleasant alcohol warmth. This example stops short of the “intense” and “absurd” levels of hop character allowable in the Double IPA style, but is plenty satisfying and deserves credit for making its mark without reaching extremes.
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