Alpha Abstraction Vol. 20

Alpha Abstraction Vol. 20 by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as BJCP Category 22A, Double IPA. Viewed in light of the rise in various specialty IPAs — especially New England-style Hazy IPAs — the Double IPA is a throwback to simpler times in the mid-to-late aughts when scaling up an IPA recipe to be stronger and hoppier was novel. It’s a straightforward beer to judge, with “intense” being the key descriptor. Still, these beefy beers should be neither malty like a barleywine nor bone dry like a tripel.

Alpha Abstraction has a strong, bright hop aroma with lemon and other citrus characteristics. It is a milky yellow color with a substantial white head. This beer’s bitterness is low for style, measuring at a moderate level. Its hop flavor is peppery and its malt flavor is clean with a touch of sweetness. Carbonation is high and creates a soft, fluffy texture. After letting this beer sit for a few minutes, its strength becomes more apparent in the aroma. Overall, Alpha Abstraction doesn’t have the hop intensity of a classic version of the style, but it still fits nicely in the realm between IPA and hazy IPA. With its peppery hop character, it is even reminiscent of a hoppy Belgian ale.