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