The Calling

This beer pours a burnished gold with slight chill haze, pushing the light side for a Double IPA. The head is comprised of fine white bubbles, mostly lingering on the edge of the glass. The beer holds the glass and leaves trailing fingers of foam, indicating a lot of body. The aroma is subdued, providing neither a big malt nose or pronounced hop aroma. There are hints of malt sweetness and maybe a touch of herbal hops. Maltiness is slightly more pronounced than the hop flavor, as expected in a Double IPA, but leaning towards sweet (especially in the finish). The hop flavor is somewhat minty, definitely herbal and slightly spicy up front. The finish also presents an earthy characteristic that remains along with the hop bitterness. This beer has a medium-full body with some alcoholic warmth that lingers through the finish. The carbonation level is well suited to the style, and it brings a little more texture to the otherwise malt-heavy mouthfeel that is common in many Double IPAs. The fermentation characteristics are clean. This Double IPA sadly does not stand out from the overcrowded field, but rather presents a fairly bland example for this style. The hop aroma is surprisingly lacking, but the hop flavor is somewhat unique and very prominent. The malts are not complex, but provide enough malt balance for the style. Overall, there is not much that makes this beer stand out, but those looking for a Double IPA leaning towards hop flavor may find it perfectly enjoyable.