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Graham L. Barron's picture

Freak of Nature

September, 2015

Freak of Nature

Judges Rating: 
93
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

Unleashing this hop nectar from the bottle reveals a golden amber beer with great clarity and a large, fluffy, off-white head that hangs around until the last drop.  The aroma leaves no doubt this is a double IPA; pine, burning rubber, lemon peel, and grapefruit dominate the nose with a hint of perfume.  Hops continue through into the flavor with strong, grassy overtones accompanying citrus and pine.  Bitterness is assertive and there is only a very light, slightly nutty, earthy malt character floating around in the distant background.  The finish is very dry with a lightly tropical aftertaste and some alcohol warming.  This is a double IPA distinctly in the west coast-style with tongue-coating hop bitterness and flavor.  The dry finish and somewhat light body make this beer very drinkable despite the massive hop dose and above-average alcohol content.  For serious hop heads only!