Coronado Brewing Sock Knocker
The stout will always be my favorite style of beer, but I really do love myself a great IPA (standard, imperial or “session”). And lately, it seems like I’ve been on a run of excellent examples of the style — whether purchased of my own accord or provided by the brewery, like this sample from Coronado Brewing. Sock Knocker is an Imperial IPA that weighs in at 8.5% ABV and 90 IBU.
The Amarillo, Centennial, Columbus and Simcoe hop varieties brought into the brew at multiple points during the process, Sock Knocker is chock full of piny, citrusy goodness. It’s a big beer with loads hop aroma and flavors, but it’s also one that isn’t too big. The alcohol is hidden well. At 90 IBU, it certainly packs a bite, but doesn’t leave your tongue waving a white flag. It’s full flavored, hoppy and still quite smooth.
Appearance
A solid finger of dense, off-white foam falls slowly to a full ring above the clear, golden brew.
Aroma
Sock Knocker has a strong grapefruit, fresh cut grass and piny floral aroma with herbal notes and a vague hint of alcohol.
Taste
A solid hop flavor with loads of pine, grapefruit, pineapple and herbal/floral notes wash over the tongue with this impressive beer. At 90 IBU, it’s got some bite, but still leaves the palate clean and ready for more. The lightly syrupy mouthfeel is expected for an Imperial IPA as is the soft touch of sweetness. The brewery has done well to mask the alcohol as it only really makes its presence known after the beer has had a chance to warm in the glass.
Overall
Coronado’s Sock Knocker is another great IPA in what seems to be a growing line of them that I’ve had this year. It’s earthy, piney character helps distinguish it from many of its overly sweet peers already on the market. And it’s got just the right amount of tropical fruit flavor and light malt to wrap everything up in a delicious package.
Rating: 4/5
This is a review of a promotional sample.
