Freak of Nature

Double IPA | Year-Round | United States

By Graham L. Barron

Judges Rating: 93
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Unleashing this hop nectar from the bottle reveals a golden amber beer with great clarity and a large, fluffy, off-white head that hangs around until the last drop.  The aroma leaves no doubt this is a double IPA; pine, burning rubber, lemon peel, and grapefruit dominate the nose with a hint of perfume.  Hops continue through into the flavor with strong, grassy overtones accompanying citrus and pine.  Bitterness is assertive and there is only a very light, slightly nutty, earthy malt character floating around in the distant background.  The finish is very dry with a lightly tropical aftertaste and some alcohol warming.  This is a double IPA distinctly in the west coast-style with tongue-coating hop bitterness and flavor.  The dry finish and somewhat light body make this beer very drinkable despite the massive hop dose and above-average alcohol content.  For serious hop heads only!