Flying Dog Single Hop El Dorado Imperial IPA
Having really enjoyed a couple of Flying Dog Brewing’s single hop Imperial IPA series last year (here and here), I was super stoked to have this bottle from the series featuring El Dorado hops arrive at the house a few days ago. Just like the first two samples of this line of releases that I have had, the El Dorado version weighs in at 10% ABV. It also arrives with 70 IBU (I don’t recall the bitterness numbers for the other two) and, just like the other two is so much more than just straightforward, one-dimensional hops.
Yes, this is an Imperial IPA and, yes, it does pack a solid wallop of citrus and bitterness, but there is much more to this beer than meets the eye. The Ray, Cara-Pils and Biscuit malt helps balance and add a little depth to a richly fruity brew.
Appearance
El Dorado poured with a massive, creamy white head atop a light amber liquid that had an orange hue and a slight chill haze. The head dropped slowly retaining solid form through to the last sip.
Aroma
Light pine, orange, grapefruit, a touch of mango, caramel and subtle sweetness come together nicely. I get a little booze as the beer warms, but it’s not overtly present.
Taste
A pleasantly surprising fuller mouthfeel than expected delivers a decent bit of malt sweetness and caramel that’s quickly overtaken by the hop profile. Pine resin, grapefruit and other citrus fruits arrive with flourish before smoothly transitioning to a solid biting bitterness that grabs the back of the tongue swiftly before fading and gently lingering with the late forming warmth that settles in the chest.
Overall
Though I still prefer the Simcoe Single Hop product in this limited line of beers, but this one that focuses solely on the El Dorado hop variety is still damn good. The brew has a floral nose packed with pine and fruitiness, as well as a solid bite on the tongue that every hop-head eagerly awaits with each sip. An at 10% ABV, is still deceptively smooth drinking. I can’t wait to see which variety of hops the brewery attacks next!
Rating:4.25/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the brewery.
