Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail Single Simcoe Hop Edition
This Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail Single Simcoe Hop Edition was part of a purchase I made back in late December that was heavily laden with hoppy excess. After drinking big stouts and rich malty winter warmers, the palate needed something bitter, invigorating and this bottle among a few others did the job nicely helping me ring in the new year.
I could have sworn that I have had the standard Molotov Cocktail, but some quick digging in the archives and such proved that I had not. While I can’t compare how this singular hop focused version compares, I can tell you that it isn’t half bad. I do like the Simcoe hop variety and this beer does a pretty decent job accentuating its assets. There’s plenty of juicy wonderfulness and a moderate bite, but there’s also a large, cloying sweetness aspect to this 13% ABV brew that’s just a bit too much for my liking.
Appearance
This imperial IPA pours orangish amber in color with a light haze. The cap of white foam fell slowly to a full ring around the surface.
Aroma
Big piney notes, resin, herbal tingle, lightly peppery with distant fruits — smells pretty subdued overall.
Taste
Molotov Cocktail Single Simcoe Hop Edition is a big IPA with big flavors. It’s much fruitier here than within the aroma, as juicy mango, tangerine and grapefruit attack the palate. Sticky, resinous hops, pine and a fairly high level of sweetness quickly file in behind. The bitterness isn’t where I would personally like for an imperial IPA — it’s a bit tame. It would have been nice to have that counter balance against the sweetness. As expected, the beer is quite warming.
Overall
There’s not doubt that this is a full-flavored IPA. The Simcoe is showcased wonderfully, but, man, that level of sweetness is a bit much. I’d have loved a more balanced approach to that aspect of the beer. A stronger hop bite would have certainly helped out.
Rating: 3.75/5
