16 oz bottle presentation, the usual Sprecher, bulky “stubbies” which I really enjoy.
As soon as I tasted this beer I knew that if I read a few reviews at the lower end the criticisms would be that “this doesn’t really taste like an American DIPA”, and to be fair those reviewers are correct – that why I LIKE this beer! If you were to review this beer in a stylistic manner it would score very badly, but to me it drinks really well and is fantastically tasty, however if you are looking for a typical, American DIPA you are going to be severely disappointed.
Pour is a very nice mid-orange with some decent head, retention and lace.
The nose yields some alcohol and a little malty sweetness, but not really any hop note.
The tastes are very similar to the aroma and frankly the hops are pretty much conspicuous by their absence. This is a well put together, malty pale ale that has a slightly bitter and warm finish that rounds out nicely. Frankly, and rather confusingly, this is basically a beer that drinks like a malt-bomb rather than a hop bomb. Finishes with some warmth and a slightly liquor like back-end. Some sweetness and sherry round out the beer.
Very moreish for me, and a tasty beer that showcases the maltier side of things very well. Smooth in the mouth, it coats and is well balanced.
A catastrophic failure as an American DIPA, but a very pleasant to drink beer IMO. Reminds me more of a lighter Scotch Ale or a malt infused, “double”pale ale in the English style. tasty.