DirtWolf – Victory Brewing Co. – Downingtown, PA

American Imperial IPA, 8.7% ABV

appearance: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | mouthfeel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer looks more like a light lager than a Double IPA: pale gold in color, crystal clear and very effervescent. It pours to a lasting giant pillowy ivory-colored head that would look right at home on a lager as well; lacing consists of very nice rafts and ladders. The nose puts any doubts about what it is to rest: the aroma shows as a fairly intense, smooth, seamless, soapy melange of citrus, pine and florals, joined by pineapple and alcohol overtones. Up front, the palate is bitter resinous pine and citrus, with a nice balancing view of the light bready malt foundation emerging mid-palate, joined on the back end by significant floral and alcohol notes. The finish is a bit astringent, a bit malty and a bit floral/pine, all joined in seconds by a style-moderate clinging hoppy bitterness; the pine/floral notes and the bitterness linger for a few minutes. Mouthfeel is biggish for the light body, and peppery from the very fizzy carbonation. This is a very drinkable, very well-balanced Double IPA that hides its alcohol pretty well. (12 oz bottle, 79 days before best-by date)

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