Hopworks IPA
1/28/2010 An extra courtesy of mykie73. Thanks! I tried this on tap at the brewpub half a year ago but my palate was destroyed from Fredfest 2009 so I don't remember much about it. Poured into a snifter. The beer is sun kissed dark orange with a voluminous beige head and excellent retention. The aroma is of orange pith with grapefruit flesh and a pine resin presence that countervails the citrus. A touch of peach can be perceived as well. The pungency is transcendent. Malt is faint and crackery, allowing my attention to be completely focused on the hop effulgence. The flavor does not disappoint. A plethora of hop flavor accompanies a high level of bitterness and a shadow of malt. I detect notes of orange pith, grapefruit, and peach, in descending order of strength. The pine is resiny and delicious, and only a whisper of sweetness is present midpalate, but that is quickly obliterated. The mouthfeel is dry and sticky, and carbonation is at a perfect upper medium level. I'd prefer to see a date on the bottle in place of the word Organic. I couldn't give a damn if it's Organic if the hops have faded. Regardless, this one tastes fresh and it's awesome. Assuming batch consistency, this is one of the best Northwest IPAs I've had.