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Sampled on Tap at 1702, Tucson AZ; August 2008
Arrives quite dark colored with a deeply burnt amber hue. The head is thin, but quite browned with a dark tan color. The head has quite a bit of staying power to it as the creamy head fully covers the beer until my glass has been drained. This has a very hoppy aroma to it that just reeks of dominant pine. There is a touch of citrus character here too and perhaps a touch of toasted grain character underneath the hop character. This is definitely a hop focused beer based on the aroma.

The flavor follows suit as this is just plain aggressively hoppy. Huge flavors of pine sap that leans toward an astringency that makes me think of chewing on a mouthful of pine needles. The finish has a harsh menthol note and a massive bitterness that definitely bites back. There are some touches of citrus character that shine through just barely with notes of sharp grapefruit. This has as substantial herbal character to it as well (in the aroma to) with hemp oil notes and a definite hop-dank.

If you are a big hop head than you will like this tongue flagellating, thoroughly unbalanced beer; otherwise just steer clear. This can be fun if you like over the top hops, the malt is only here as a supporting (a minimal one at that, though very important) role; there is just enough caramel sweetness to keeps the hops from destroying your taste buds and to keep this somewhat drinkable. Hops gone wild! Only enjoyable for those you like to be beat over the head and strangled with massive hop bines; something that I can appreciate from time to time.

Served In: Pint Glass