Judge’s Review: 95 Rating – Big IPA by pFriem Family Brewers

Double IPA | Seasonal | United States

By John C. Tull

Judges Rating: 95
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 39
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

This beer is judged as a Double IPA (22A). The aroma is dominated by malt sweetness with a touch of caramel. The hops are more subtle than anticipated with floral and resinous aromas. The color is golden with hints of copper/orange. A slightly off-white head provides a lacy veil over the surface and a ring of fine bubbles on the edge of the glass. The flavor is decisively hoppy, with a complex blend of floral and resinous flavors as in the aroma. A good malt presence backs the hops to provide a very nice overall balance for a Double IPA. The hop flavor holds the palate from start to finish, lingering on the back of the tongue for a good while. The finish is medium-dry and characterized by a touch of alcohol flavor that is smooth and clean. The beer presents a medium body that is well-carbonated in the mouth. Overall, this is an exceptional Double IPA that avoids the distraction of the latest hop fad. Instead, this DIPA provides a very well-developed flavor and balance between malts and hops that excels at pleasing the palate without coming across as overbearing like so many beers of this style can be.