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I had this beer a week ago so my memory of it is well... a week old. It was on tap at one of their brewpubs. I'm a big big fan of IPAs so consider that as you read this. I thought it was an amazing version of what a big beer can be with extra hops. The bitterness of the hops was nicely balanced with hints of sweetness and floral notes. As to be expected with a double hopped ale it does finish with a bitter taste, but it did not detract from the overall experience imo.

Served In: Pilsner Glass

Old Review
Had this on tap recently in Birmingham to ring in the recently Freed Hops. I believe this was my first beer above the cap in Alabama (well purchased here). Served up in a standard pint glass.

A: Poured a darker orange color that makes me happy. Its just darker enough to not be called or mistaken for yellow. Has just a touch of haze to the body but it can be seen through. The pour got me a little over a finger of white head (maybe a touch off white, maybe cream, ah well). The foam is pretty hearty and creamy and it throws up some decent lacing on the glass. Not bad at all for a DIPA but it is standard fare for a good DIPA look. Nothing too crazy that is making me jump for joy or crap my pants, but it is nice to look at.

S: Smell is actually pretty fruity. Getting a lot of the citrus hop profile coming out. Getting some grapefruit, orange and lemon in the nose. Actually getting quite a bit of grapefruit rind. There is just a touch of some pineapple coming across. Behind all that fruit lies a touch of pine resiny goodness. A good amount of hops used here I imagine. There is just a touch of malt in the nose coming across, but it is neither too sweet or balancing. Nose is all hops but very pleasing indeed.

T: Taste is a bit weaker than the nose. You absolutely get the big grapefruit presence: rind, meat and skin. Getting a touch of the orange and very little lemon to come out. The malt does come in a bit more here, cutting the hops with a light and sweet caramel malt action. The pine is very present on the back end, but there is also a touch of metallic coming out at times with it. Not a huge fan of that metallic note, but it is limited and doesn't kill the beer.

M: Medium bodied brew with a medium carbonation. Just enough carbonation in here to keep the beer light and drinkable, but not enough to turn it into a mess. Alcohol is slightly noticable with a light burn on the throat. Feel is a bit bitter and dry on the finish. Aftertaste is mostly some piney hops and at times that metallic flavor.

D: Not bad at all. It could be a lot better IMO, but I would classify this as a "good" DIPA. I know Rogue gets a lot of shit, but this is a good representation of the style in my eyes. With that said, its not going to blow my mind at all or make me purchase cases of this to drink daily, but its good. It is easy to put down, has good flavor and a really nice aroma. Can't find too much to bitch about.

Serving type: on-tap

Reviewed on: 06-10-2009 23:49:09

Served In: Pint Glass

12 ounce bottle.
Murkey golden brown with a few flakes suspended and little head. What there is doen't last long. Holy Hop aroma!!! Too overhoped and unpleasantly unbalanced. Lingers as would be expected for a double IPA. Texture is Viscous and chewy. Some spiciness but the bitterness is annoying. I can feel the enamel on my teeth being eaten away. Not enough balance IMO. Lots of hops are fine but they need to ba balanced. Maybe it's because of the 12 oz serving. I hated Old Crusty in 12 oz bottle but loved it in the 750 ceramic. I will give this another chance.

Serving type: bottle

Reviewed on: 03-07-2006

Served In: Pint Glass

Review from 10/30/06

750ml ceramic bottle, listed at 9.5% abv on bottle.

A - Hazy apricot colored body. One finger head that is thick and fluffy. Massive lacing.

S - Starts off with big citrus notes, orange, lemon, grapefruit. Then works into floral smells with strawberries, pine, and then bread dough.

T - Works from fruity up front, into sticky, syrupy with a hint of alcohol, into a bitter wash at the end. Pine, grapefruit, grassy.

M - Thick and sticky. Syrupy.

D - Not my favorite DIPA. Alcohol becomes apparent and too thick and sticky imo.

Served In: Pint Glass

Beer pours a dark golden color out of the ceramic bottle. Has a slight haze to it and leaves about an 1/8 inch head with nice lacing.

Smell is phenomenal, hops, hops, and more hops. It may be bacause we had has a couple RIS's, but the hops are really prominent in this beer.

The hops are matched with a bitterness right when you taste this beer, that is followed by malty sweet taste with a really nice smooth finish.

Mouthfeel is good, nice carbonation, smooth beer.

Overall, like the beer, has an amazing smell, the taste is pretty standard for a solid IPA/IIPA.

Price: $14.99 Served In: Pint Glass