Too Pure To Be Pink by Wild Leap Brew Co. is being evaluated as a Double IPA (2015 BJCP Guidelines Category 22A). This beer features the annual Pink Boots blend of hops from Yakima Chief Hops and was brewed and packaged with the hardworking women of Wild Leap to support International Women’s Day.  

This beer is a showcase of New World hop complexity. Floral, tropical, stone fruit and ripe berry hop-characteristic aromas are front and center while any malt presence takes a back seat. As the beer settles a bright lemon presence pops out. The floral note is subtle and enhances complexity without becoming reminiscent of perfume. Alcohol is perceptible in the aroma but is not overwhelming.    

The beer pours a hazy blonde with a dense white head that holds together quite well. No hop or yeast particulate is visible. The flavor is balanced towards bright citrus hops - notably, lemon. Hop bitterness seems low in the balance for the beer, but that may actually help to enhance the perception of high hop flavor. There is a subtle bready malt sweetness that provides balance but malt largely plays an appropriate supporting role here. Each sip allows for a different hop flavor to experience - lemon, lime, mango, cantaloupe and a hint of lilac. Alcohol plays a warming role but remains smooth throughout consumption.  

This beer does an exceptional job of showcasing the broad palette with which hops can paint upon a beer’s canvas. While the hop intensity is high, there is never hop-derived astringency or a grassiness that can be found in some examples of this style. This beer is packed with hop flavor and does not get bogged down by malt sweetness. The bitterness comes across as a bit tame but this likely aids in drinkability. Cheers to the women of Wild Leap for setting the bar for new-school Double IPA high. This beer warrants a trip to the Wild Leap taproom while it is still fresh - if you’re within driving distance it will be worth the trip!