DirtWolf

Double IPA | Year-Round | United States

By Nelson Crowle

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 39
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 19

Pouring a brilliantly clear gold with a nice poofy head of tiny ivory bubbles, the initial aroma is grassy with some pine notes, grapefruit, and a bit of bready character to hold up the substantial hops. The first sip brings piney and grassy hops up front, light stone fruit and gooseberry mid-palate and a hint of garlic in the fairly dry, moderately bitter yet balanced finish. This beer has a medium body, really nice balance, medium carbonation, and a substantial alcohol warmth that is clean and not hot. It’s also crisp and very smooth – an excellent example of an East Coast-style Double IPA. Pour this in a snifter or tulip and sip it slowly – it will sneak up on you! I combined the beer (after evaluating) with lightly salted yellow pear tomatoes – yummy! This would also go well with a vegetable and bread cheese fondue.