Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA

From Karl Strauss Brewing – “Unlike most double IPA’s which use the traditional Pacific Northwest hops, we wanted to feature a more exotic hop profile,” says Brewmaster Paul Segura.  The company chose Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand for their intense tropical fruit and white wine-like flavor and aroma.  The bold flavors of this recipe make Big Barrel Double IPA the perfect beer to kick off the Coastal Reserve series, showcasing the company’s more esoteric offerings.

Karl Strauss Big Barrel Double IPA – 22 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass. 9.0% abv.

Appearance: Pours a clear orange amber with a retaining white 1/4 inch head.

Aroma: Grapefruit,pineapple and pine.

Taste: Bitter, citrusy and herbal hop flavor backed by sweet caramel like malts. Has a sage like after taste that I enjoy.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied. Not thick or syrupy though.

Overall: Another Rookie of the Year Candidate.