Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – Easternmost Double IPA by Batson River Brewing & Distilling

Double IPA | Year-Round | USA

By Scott Birdwell

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Easternmost Double IPA by Batson River Brewing & Distilling was judged as a Double IPA, Style 22A per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.
Full disclosure: I am not a big fan of hazy IPAs, DNEIPA’s, hazy pale ales, etc. But, I wanted to approach this with as few preconceptions as possible, and I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, this poured hazy in my glass, but not opaquely so. The aroma was very hop-forward, as expected. However, it was not a citrus or tropical fruit bomb as with so many NEIPAs and DNEIPAs. It didn’t take my head off or otherwise blow me away; there’s some restraint here. On first sip, I am hit with the hops, as expected. However, not only were the expected hop flavor notes (floral, citrusy, tropical fruit) pronounced, but there was some hop bite there. I’m not talking about West Coast IPA levels of hop bite, but at least some hop bitterness to help balance out the residual grain sweetness. I was appreciative of that bit of bite! Yes, there was the expected grainy sweetness, but not just the non-malt flaked barley, rye, wheat, etc. but rather, some actual maltiness. This was, in my opinion, a rather well-balanced DNEIPA. I appreciated the quality and attention to detail that the brewers undertook to produce a hazy IPA with that balance. I would finish a pint of this, even if it is not my “go-to” style. Well done!