He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A.
Just recently released in four packs, Shmaltz Brewing’s Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. has already received a good amount of acclaim since it’s original launch in the Summer of 2006. It’s also been impossible to find any where near home.
So when the opportunity to get a couple of samples of this highly rated brew came along, I was more than a little excited. “…[B]rewed with an obscene amount of malts and hops,” this rye-based double IPA is pretty damned complex and full flavored — and completely worth the wait.
Appearance
The copper colored brew poured into a tulip glass producing a massive light tan head that was dense with excellent retention.
Aroma
Bittersweet Lenny’s has got a rich and deep nose. It’s got quite a malty sweetness with touches of caramel, light toast and rye. The hops within the nose packs a citrus and piny punch that balanced out the the large malt presence. The 10% ABV makes a light appearance as the beer warms.
Taste
First off, this brew is pretty damned viscous for an IPA, let along a double IPA. It thoroughly coats the mouth with this bold and rich brew. The next thing you notice it the bitterness. It packs a wallop! The malty sweetness is certainly there and commands your attention, but the hope bitterness lasts a good while in the semi-dry finish. The higher ABV makes its presence known more and more often as the beer settles and warms to room temperature.
Overall
Sipping this one slowly last night after dinner, this brew proved to hit the spot wonderfully. It’s full bodied, rich and bold flavored. I can certainly see why it’s garnered such acclaim since its launch. In the past, I’ve always greedily wished that I had additional samples for cellaring. Luckily, a couple of bottles arrived in the mail so I can revisit this big beer for comparison at a later date.
Rating: 4/5