May 24, 2013

Hodgson’s Double India Pale Ale

I’ve never encountered any products from Olympia, Washington’s Fish Brewing Company in the past, but that wasn’t going to stop me from picking up this 9.9% ABV Imperial IPA from them. I’m always up for giving a new brewery a shot and this Hodgson’s Double India Pale Ale is a pretty solid introduction.

Part of the brewery’s Reel Ales line of brews, this is a big beer in every sense of the word. A decent amount of hops, a liberal malt sweetness and perhaps a bit too much heat from the alcohol all combine to bring you a beer that is tasty, but could use a bit of refinement. A little more balance. A little less heat. But still, a decent introduction to the brewery.

Appearance

Hodgson’s DIPA pours a hazy, dark amber in color with a smallish khaki head that disappeared quickly.

Aroma

Toasted malt, caramel, light sweetness, orange and light pine come together for a nose that I wouldn’t describe as “hoppy.”

Taste

Ah, there are the hops. It’s not an overly citrusy DIPA, but man, it certainly packs a solid bitterness and alcohol warmth. The malt and caramel step back a touch for the earthy hops to come forward with hints of grapefruit and pine. A decent amount of malt sweetness comes in to try and balance out the bite, but the hop astringency it too much and lingers a good long while in the drying finish. The beer has a fairly one-dimensional character.

Overall

It’s not the worst Imperial IPA I’ve ever had, but it’s also not the best. I’d personally like to see a bit more balance to the beer with a little less heat from the alcohol. That said, it was still a decent enough introduction to a company that I’d like to check out some more in the future.

Rating: 3.25/5

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