DC Brau The Corruption
According to my Untappd stats, I first enjoyed (or rather checked with) DC Brau’s The Corruption back on June 8, 2012. I’ve consumed many cans of this tasty IPA since then, but for some reason I hadn’t given it a proper review. I suppose I was just too busy drinking it and not too worried about taking notes. Well, we just can’t have that.
This 6.5% ABV and 80 IBU IPA is modeled after the IPAs one may find in the Pacific Northwest and as such uses 40 pounds of Columbus hops for each batch brewed. The result is a beer that is wonderfully hoppy in all the right ways. The Corruption packs a ton of pine and citrus along with herbal hop notes into the convenience of a 12 ounce can.
Appearance
The Corruption pours a slightly hazy amber in color with a resilient cap of tawny foam that displayed solid lacing as it dropped.
Aroma
A solid amount of resinous pine is backed by grapefruit, grain and a touch of caramel. Overall it’s got a grassy, herbal hop character.
Taste
An initial surge of malt sweetness and caramel are quickly awash with flowing pine and grapefruit that smoothly bring along a sizable amount of bitterness. The bite isn’t ferocious, but it certainly grabs the tongue firmly as grassy hop notes linger gently as the bitterness fades to a lasting tingle. The Corruption is medium bodied with a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. The alcohol is well masked.
Overall
There is a ton of hop character and flavor in a beer that teeters on imperial territory. The Corruption may not be as tropical fruity as the brewery’s On The Wings of Armageddon, but for a beer that’s available year-round, you can’t ask for a better hop presence. It’s certainly one of the best IPAs in the DC/MD/VA area that is readily available.
Rating: 4.25/5
