Hop Riot IPA
Poured from a bomber into a tulip glass. A: Clear, medium amber color with less than one finger of diminishing white foam head. Light lacing remains on the glass. S: Crisp and clean biscuit malt is the most defining smell, a little grainy around the edges. Hops are nearly absent, with just a hint of herbal spice. T: Begins off-dry, with a heavy presence of toasted grain that turns slightly vinous toward the middle. Citrusy aromatics are very understated, while acidity is moderate in intensity. Bitterness arrives early, becoming quite pronounced and astringent by the finish, but is very neutral with nothing in the way of flavor accents. M: Thin to medium viscosity, slightly astringent on the palate but complementing the bitterness well, with moderate bitterness. D/O: This IPA is out of balance, strongly favoring malt components while interesting hop flavors and aromas are remarkably lacking. Bitterness is present, however, raw and discontinuous--appearing bolted-on to the latter half of the taste, rather than being integrated with a host of other (non-existent) appealing flavors. While not undrinkable, this beer is entirely forgettable.