Tasting Notes: Alaskan Hopothermia Double IPA

From Alaskan Brewing  – Much of the history of Hopothermia is lost to the mists of time. We know that the windswept lone brewer dreamt of a Double IPA so bold and packed full of hop flavor that it could keep the wild wolves from the door of his remote cabin. We know he was able to converse with the creatures of the woods – except for the bears who slept through the cold winter, and the mink, who were just really super rude. And we know he skillfully crafted a beer that became the stuff of legend.

Alaskan Brewing – Alaskan Hopothermia Double IPA – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 8.5% abv.

Appearance:  Pours a glowing amber with a thick white cap of foam.

Aroma: Ultra fresh American hops. Mixture of bright grassy and citrus notes, tropical fruit, a touch of pine and brown sugar sweetness beneath all that.

Taste:  A burst of flavorful abrasive bitter and juicy hops. Fruit cocktail, some bread crust, finishes with earthy grapefruit bitterness with decent lingering.

Mouthfeel:  Full bodied. Prickly active carbonation. Perfectly dry, especially for the style.

Overall: Alaskan stepped out of their comfort zone of widely appealing session ales with this hop forward beer. The freshness and layers of hop goodness reminded me of Sierra Nevada Hoptimum.  Shhh listen….. I think I can hear the lone wolf cry.