Saturday, May 4, 2013

HopDevil: It’s Menacingly Tasty



HopDevil: It’s Menacingly Tasty

India Pale Ale            6.7% ABV

Brewed by Victory  Brewing Co. Downington, Pennsylvania

Notes: 68 IBUs (International Bittering Unit). Brewed with Amarillo and Goldings East Kent hops.

Background: Victory Brewing was founded in 1996 in an old Pepperidge Farm bakery. It has since grown to a nationally recognized brewery distributed in more than 30 states. A lot is owed to HopDevil, as it is one of their flagship beers.

Appearance: It pours a hazy orange/amber color. It has a nice off white head.

Aroma: The first smell is that of citrus and hops. You do get a hint of the malts and grains in the background.

Taste: The first taste has been described as a “hop assault on the palate”. Very hop heavy up front. It is very tasty. You do taste a little more of the grain  and malts in this which can be rare for an IPA. Mostly though, you are getting hops, hops, and some more hops.

Overall: I would rate this beer a 95/100. This has become a staple IPA at my house. One of my all-time favorites. Victory is a fantastic brewery and sure knows how to use their hops. This coupled with their Victory StormDevil are two fantastic beers. 

-Braden & Jon

Enjoy By IPA: It’s Devastatingly Fresh



Enjoy By IPA: It’s Devastatingly Fresh

Double IPA    9.4% ABV

Brewed by Stone  Brewing Co. Escondido, California

Notes: 88 IBUs (International Bittering Unit). Brewed with Simcoe, Delta, Amarillo, Citra, Cascade, and Motueka hops.

Background: The idea behind this beer from Stone, was to guarantee that the consumer is getting the freshest beer possible. As freshness is a huge component of not only beer in general, but specifically big IPA’s, they brewed and bottled this beer specifically NOT to last. The name “Enjoy by 04.01.13” is the date stores are required to take it off their shelves because they can no longer guarantee its freshness.

Appearance: It pours a medium level gold color. With a very nice white head. It has great head retention throughout.

Aroma: The aroma is very hop heavy up front. It definitely has some citrus and floral notes as well. You do not smell the grains or malts used to brew the beer.

Taste: You get hops from beginning to end with each sip. It also has a certain sweetness to it. You get a taste of some orange and grapefruit in the beer. Taste is almost draft like. A very smooth and very fresh beer.

Overall: I would rate this beer a 98/100. This beer is darn near perfect. It is one of the best, smoothest Double IPAs I have ever had. The idea behind this beer is fantastic, as we have all gone to the store before and grabbed a six pack that was not at its peak freshness. Well, that is not a problem here. Stone has done a great job with the Enjoy by series, and I will definitely be picking up the next one to enjoy before 04.20.13.  

-Braden & Jon