Direwolf by Olde Mother Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Double IPA (2015 BJCP Category 22A). It pours with a beautiful burnished golden color with only a slight haze beneath a voluminous, moussy ivory head.

The aroma is hop forward with dominating grapefruit, lemon and resin alongside other more modern hop characteristics such as lychee, papaya and cantaloupe. Distant malt of grain and a hint of honey provide intrigue. Clean fermentation with no esters was present but alcohol can be detected especially as it warms.

Form follows function and the flavor is an extension of the aroma with similar flavors. The temperate bitterness provides balance and after a dry finish, resin, grapefruit, papaya and especially alcohol linger. Complementary to the hops is a moderately full body and average carbonation. The smooth alcohol is ever-present, letting you know this one is a big beer.

Overall, Dire Wolf is a solid offering and one for the hop heads. The fresh, vibrant New World hop profile is the star while the alcohol, although well-incorporated, stands out a bit too much to keep this out of the high 90s.