A Journey Through Hoppy Goodness: Tasting Notes for Exceptional DIPAs
As autumn settles in, the craft beer world offers a delightful array of Double IPAs (DIPAs) that showcase the vibrant flavours of hops. These brews, known for their boldness and complexity, provide a perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons. Let’s dive into a selection of standout DIPAs, each offering a unique taste experience that reflects the artistry and innovation of modern brewing.
Overtone ~ Pure Magic 8.4% DIPA
Pure Magic is an enchanting Double IPA that brings the spirit of a legendary Scottish band to life. This brew features a medley of hops, including Galaxy, Motueka, and Strata, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavours. Upon pouring, you'll notice a hazy golden hue, accompanied by a fluffy white head. The aroma is a captivating blend of tropical fruits, with notes of passionfruit, ripe mango, and citrus. The taste follows suit, offering a juicy explosion of fruitiness balanced with a smooth mouthfeel.
Interesting Fact: The name Pure Magic pays homage to a famous Scottish band, capturing the essence of their iconic song. This connection to music reflects the brewer's passion for creativity and collaboration, using the brew to evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy Pure Magic with spicy grilled shrimp tacos topped with fresh mango salsa. The sweetness of the fruit will complement the tropical notes in the beer, while the heat from the spices enhances the overall experience. Alternatively, pair it with a creamy goat cheese salad featuring mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette, allowing the beer to elevate the dish's freshness.
Disruption IS Brewing ~ Death By Confetti Cannon 8.0% DIPA
Death By Confetti Cannon is a celebration in a can. This Double IPA, crafted in collaboration with Copper Beech Brewing, boasts an impressive hop profile featuring Nelson, Citra, and Galaxy. The result is a juicy and tropical brew that tantalizes the taste buds. With a light base to let the hops shine, it offers an aroma bursting with citrus and tropical fruits. Each sip delivers a velvety mouthfeel and a delightful burst of flavour that leaves you wanting more.
Interesting Fact: The collaboration for Death By Confetti Cannon not only highlights the camaraderie between breweries but also showcases the creative spirit within the craft beer community. By working together, they’ve created a beer that emphasizes both innovation and flavour.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this vibrant DIPA with a zesty lime chicken salad. The beer’s tropical fruitiness will enhance the citrus notes in the salad, while the light body of the beer allows for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, enjoy it with spicy chicken wings tossed in a fruity glaze, where the sweetness of the beer complements the heat.
Burnt Mill ~ Perpetual Fog 8.0% Fog DIPA
Perpetual Fog is a hazy Double IPA that showcases the luscious flavours of Nelson Sauvin and Mosaic hops. With a soft malt profile leading the way, this brew bursts with tropical fruits and vinous characteristics. The combination of white grape and bright citrus notes blends seamlessly with hints of berries, creating a layered cocktail of flavours. Each sip is a delightful journey, accentuated by a touch of Enigma hops for added depth.
Interesting Fact: The name Perpetual Fog reflects the beer's hazy appearance, which is characteristic of New England-style IPAs. This style has gained popularity for its juicy, fruit-forward profiles and smooth mouthfeel, making it a favourite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This DIPA pairs beautifully with a rich seafood pasta dish, such as linguine with clams and garlic. The beer’s fruity and vinous notes will complement the brininess of the seafood. For a vegetarian option, try it with a creamy risotto topped with asparagus, allowing the beer’s brightness to enhance the dish’s flavours.
Hackney Church ~ Big Organ 8.0% DIPA
Big Organ is a transatlantic collaboration that brings together British brewing traditions and modern American innovations. Brewed with Chevallier Heritage malt and a quadruple dose of Citra hops, this DIPA is a harmonious blend of depth and brightness. Expect flavours of grapefruit, orange pith, and tropical fruits, all underpinned by the rich, toasty notes from the heritage malt.
Interesting Fact: The use of Chevallier malt connects this beer to Victorian brewing history. This heritage malt was a staple in English brewing, renowned for its ability to add depth and complexity to beers, showcasing how tradition can meet innovation in the craft beer world.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Big Organ with a hearty beef stew, where the malt richness of the beer complements the savoury flavours of the dish. For a lighter option, enjoy it with grilled salmon drizzled with a citrus glaze, allowing the beer’s bright notes to enhance the fish’s flavours.
Pomona Island ~ Authentic Frontier Gibberish 7.3% West Coast IPA
Authentic Frontier Gibberish is a bold West Coast IPA that stands out with its assertive bitterness and resinous, piney backbone. Brewed with authentic Cryo Citra, Cascade CGX, Magnum, and Chinook hops, this beer delivers a classic West Coast experience. Expect flavours of grapefruit and pine to dance on your palate, backed by a well-rounded malt profile that keeps the bitterness in check.
Interesting Fact: This beer pays homage to the West Coast IPA style, which has been a significant influence on the craft beer movement. Known for its hop-forward character, this style has shaped many brewing practices and continues to inspire brewers worldwide.
Food Pairing Suggestions: This West Coast IPA pairs perfectly with spicy barbecue ribs, where the beer’s bitterness cuts through the richness of the meat. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with roasted vegetable skewers drizzled with a balsamic glaze, enhancing the beer’s hoppy profile.
Pressure Drop ~ Welcome To The Internet 8.4% DIPA
Welcome To The Internet is a lively New England Double IPA that captures the essence of modern brewing. With Mosaic hops at the forefront, this DIPA is a celebration of positivity and creativity. Expect a burst of juicy flavours and a smooth finish that invites you to take another sip.
Interesting Fact: The name Welcome To The Internet reflects the brewery's playful approach to brewing and their desire to create a fun and engaging experience for drinkers. This beer embodies the spirit of the craft beer community, where creativity and innovation thrive.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this DIPA with spicy tuna tartare, where the beer’s juiciness complements the freshness of the fish. For a casual option, enjoy it with nachos topped with melted cheese and jalapeños, allowing the beer to balance the spiciness.
Phantom ~ Double Uranus 8.0% DIPA
Double Uranus is a robust New England Double IPA that showcases the talents of its brewers. With a blend of Motueka, Rakau, and Mosaic hops, this beer delivers a rich and fruity profile. Expect notes of ripe tropical fruits and a smooth finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Interesting Fact: The use of New England hops like Motueka and Rakau highlights the modern brewing trend towards fruit-forward IPAs. These hops are known for their juicy characteristics and ability to impart vibrant flavours that define the style.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair Double Uranus with spicy chicken tikka masala, where the beer’s fruitiness complements the dish's rich flavours. Alternatively, enjoy it with a creamy blue cheese dip and crackers, allowing the beer to enhance the sharpness of the cheese.
Azvex x Eggers Hops ~ Daemon Engine 8.2% DIPA
Daemon Engine is a collaboration that showcases the innovative use of hops. This Double IPA is dry-hopped with a special focus on Eggers Special hops, which deliver a unique flavour profile. Expect tropical fruit notes complemented by a touch of resinous character that defines this exciting brew.
Interesting Fact: The collaboration with Eggers Hops emphasizes the importance of experimental and unique hop varieties in crafting distinctive beers. The use of innovative hops allows brewers to push the boundaries of flavour and aroma in their creations.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Pair this DIPA with a rich creamy pasta dish, where the beer's hoppy profile can cut through the richness. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a fresh garden salad topped with grilled chicken and a citrus dressing, enhancing the beer's bright flavours.
As we wrap up this exploration of exceptional DIPAs, it’s clear that these brews offer a delightful range of flavours perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or celebrating with friends, these craft beers bring a touch of creativity and joy to your glass. Cheers to the wonderful world of craft beer!