Hoptopia is a unique and down to earth beer tasting and review resource by Lee Williams
Smuttynose_big_a_ipa

Brew Review #118

Smuttynose Big A IPA

Imperial / Double IPA

Smuttynose, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

I RATE THIS BEER: 96

RELEASE: April // THE ABV. 9.6% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Wet Pine Forest, BabyBel Cheese, Anise, Seaweed, Lemon Peel, Capers, Black Pepper // THE TASTE: Ricola, Juniper, Grapefruit, Raw Egg Yolk, Lemon Juice, Fresh Ginger // THE BOTTOMLINE: Transporting its drinker to hop Valhalla, this hoppy siren is prickly enough and pretty enough to induce genuine chills of appreciation and anticipation. Sporting a jaw-droppingly attractive aroma of sticky pine sap, soft milled pepper and freshly squeezed lemon juice, it’s unavoidably drinkable and what a drink it is. Kicking like a mule from sip to swallow, mouth is awash in a balmy oasis of super leafy methol, diamond sharp tree ripened yellow citus peel and an easy breezy saltiness. On the finish it dry’s cleanly, encouraging repeated swirling, sniffing and blissful savoring. Not as good as fresh ‘Pliny The Elder,' but not far off the mark. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle //

Food Pairings:

Lamb Vindaloo Peppered BBQ Ribs Green Curry with Beef