The Hop Concept: Galaxy and Comet IPA

Product description – Bright notes of Tropical fruit and resinous pine, Galaxy and Comet finishes with a light earthiness and just a kiss of sweetness. Galaxy and Comet will be released in both 22oz bottles and draft.

Port Brewing/The Lost Abbey – The Hop Concept Galaxy and Comet IPA – 22 oz.bottle poured into speciality glassware. 8% abv.

I was very happy to see this beer re-released this year. Most the beers from Port Brewing’s spinoff The Hop Concept have been very impressive. Galaxy & Comet comes in 22oz bombers like all other THC beers. It’s not my favorite format, but I found myself really loving this one and was happy to have the extra ounces. In terms of freshness, the label has a best by date of 7/8/2017, which isn’t nearly as helpful as a bottling date. Oh well.

Pouring into the glass, this beer is crystal clear straw in color with billowing, healthy white foam. The aroma is softer and sweet with white grape, chamomile, white tea, and starfruit. The aesthetics here are top of the line. The flavor begins a tad dusty, perhaps from not being super fresh, but it’s still very good. Alpha acid bitterness piles on in the mid-palate. It’s aggressive and all-consuming, but it’s a wonderful IPA experience. White grape, grapefruit rind, green mango, sourdough bread, and a slight lactic acid character bring up the lengthy finish. For 8% ABV, there is barely any alcohol warming.

Again, aesthetic-wise, this beer is superlative. The palate is oily and rich but not too chewy or filling. For something straddling the line between IPA and Double IPA, THC Galaxy & Comet is very bright in flavor profile. It’s about as clean and crisp as I can imagine for this style.

Overall, this one was essentially perfect. Just an amazing beer.