Review – Heavy Seas Big DIPA

From Clipper City Brewing, makers of Heavy Seas Ales – Big DIPA – Double IPA,  is the first in the Heavy Seas Special Edition Series due to be released in mid June.  Hopped 3 times in the brewing process, Big DIPA has an earthy hop aroma.  In keeping with the Heavy Seas philosophy we’ve made a big beer with a surprising balance. The best part is that you’ll hardly notice it’s 10.6% ABV (est). The label artwork was created by Kurt Krol, one of our brewers who also helped to develop the recipe.

Heavy Seas Big DIPA by Clipper City Brewing – Purchased from Dawson’s Liquors in Severna Park, MD. Poured from a 22oz bottle into a tulip glass. 10.6% ABV.

Appearance: A reddish amber with surprisingly little head. What head there was looked whipped and frothy, buttercream colored and dissipated quickly.

Aroma: The requisite pine and citrus with plenty of butterscotch and a hint of marshmallow.

Taste: With each sip, malted milk balls (Whoppers without the chocolate coating) and butterscotch give way to huge, hoppy bitterness on the sides and rear of your tongue.

Mouthfeel: Creamy but not cloying on the tongue. Finishes clean but not quite dry.

Overall: Clipper City has all cannons blazing on this one. I purchased this the same day it was bottled, so it was as fresh as I was going to get it. Just a fantastic Double IPA that I’d stack up against Stone Double Bastard any time.