Tricerahops Double IPA

Due to extraordinarily tasty brews, Ninkasi Brewing has quickly earned the reputation as a heavy hitting up-and-comer. Tricerahops is a behemoth of a brew, boasting a whopping 100 IBU backed by almost 9% ABV. The aroma is a full-on hop assault, lashing the sense with wave upon wave of Seville orange, peaches, candied lemon peel, and herbs. Beneath the blanket of hops, the nose struck Rick as “rather sweet, with notes of cotton candy, golden treacle, and vanilla.” Yet, he deemed the overall effect “inviting and seductive.” Lee actually found the nose quite balanced and enjoyed the “sharp, clean hop spiciness and warm beckoning sweetness.” Throwing the merest hint of a chill haze, this brew shows a deep yellow, verging on burnished gold, all cloaked with a dense, meringue-like ivory head. Alcohol is front and center in the flavor, but the firm, bready malt base keeps it in check. In addition to the alcohol and assertive bitterness, Tim found hints of apricots and Bosc pears, praising the brewer’s “harmonious blending of flavors.” While Tom enjoyed the initial alcohol blast, he felt it was a bit harsh on the finish, “detracting from an otherwise flawless beer.” He complimented the delicate, honeyish sweetness and ripe peach fruitiness lurking beneath the alcohol. If Tricerahops is any indication, relative newcomer Ninkasi’s reputation will continue to grow.