Clown Shoes 'Space Cake' Double IPA. 9% abv. Amber color with two fingers of bubbly, ivory head. Superb retention, excellent lacing. Nose of bright, spicy hops, sweet bread, stone fruit. Malt aroma and further spice expression come through as the temp rises to room.

Front taste is caramel, bright citrus peel, herbal hops, with sweet malt and tangy orange zest on the back end. Aftertaste is bitter fruity hops, tangerine, botanical resin, with a dry finish. A taste of marmalade comes to mind down the glass. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is cool, round, tangy, thick, slightly sticky.

This is an excellent beer, a DIPA whose Mosaic hops' spice notes punch up the flavor of its malty backbone while accentuating the herbal and bready expression throughout. Its tall bitter hop bill that is balanced well with its malt base and fruit pastry profile. Think of a holiday fruitcake soaked in Grand Marnier. If that imagined taste appeals to you, this beer is sure to please. It surely pleases me. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Why are Miracle Mike and his dog, Bionic, being chased by many evil laser beam shooting cupackes and two giant layer cake mother ships?  Because we’re straight up lunatic fools?  Well, maybe, but with a few brain cells remaining we managed to craft Space Cake double IPA, utilizing citrusy Mosaic hops and an immaculate West Coast style malt backbone.  Dude… chill out.  Enjoy some Space Cake."

[source: clownshoesbeer.com]

Sierra Nevada 'Hop Bullet' Double IPA Spring Seasonal. 8% abv. 60 IBU. Pale straw color. Slightly hazy. Thin, white, bubbly head that quickly drops to a sustaining collar and scattered surface. Moderate retention, good lacing. Nose of ample herbal-floral hops, pine, bright spice. Aroma subsides significantly as the temp rises and the head recedes.

Front taste is cypress, cloves, bitter herbal hops, with a dry finish. Aftertaste is bitter herbal hop bundle, hop resin, faint flowers. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, round, carby, resiny.

This is a solid beer for fans of DIPAs that lean heavily toward hops over malt. The aroma is a hop head's dream, with a ton of spicy, bitter, herbal hops supported by floral tones. However, that wonderful nose falls greatly as the head dissipates, something that happens quickly with this beer. Within a few minutes, its tall, distinguishable aroma is nearly absent. Good news is that the lupulin-infused flavor profile is persistent throughout, as is the notes of pine an overall hop expression. 

This beer promises hops and it gives you hops aplenty. Just make sure you don't linger too long, as this beer is not designed for a leisurely stroll across the palate. Enjoy it within ten minutes for an optimum hop experience. Recommended.


From the brewery:

"Brewed with a double-barreled blast of Magnum hops and lupulin dust. Hops are the name of the game with a Double IPA, but we knew we had to take it one step further. With Hop Bullet, we’re using a new technique, hitting the beer with a double-barreled blast of Magnum hops and lupulin dust—pure, concentrated hop flavor—directly into the tank to emphasize the intense pine and citrus flavors of classic West Coast hops."
[source: sierranevada.com]

"Hop Bullet Double IPA features a new technique: we're hitting the beer with a double-barreled slug of Magnum hops and lupulin dust - the source of hop flavor  and aroma - right into the fermenter for a ballistic burst of aggressive hop character."
[source: bottle]

Founders 'Doom' Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial IPA. 12.4% abv. Hazy honey-copper color. Two fingers of foamy white head that gradually falls to a sustaining thick surface. Outstanding retention and superb lacing. Nose of bourbon, vanilla, herbal hops, with whiskey and oak emerging as the temp rises. 

Front taste of rich malt, bourbon, sweet bread, toffee. Aftertaste is caramel, sweet fruit, tall hops, whiskey expression rises at the end. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, boozy, astringent, carby, round.

This is an outstanding little BBA, one that delivers on the usual promises of bourbon and wood, merging well with the malty backbone of a DIPA, but also plays well with the ample hop bundle of its base IPA. The everlasting head powerfully brings the aroma forth, especially once the temp rises to room, with lacing that clings without fade. The craftsmanship is clear and forward. Wonderful brew. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Doom may be impending but that doesn’t mean you have to fear it. A collision of worlds, the intense hop character of our imperial IPA mingles with the warm vanilla and oak notes imparted from time spent in our favorite bourbon barrels. Like all good things, Doom comes to those who wait."
[source: foundersbrewing.com]

Alpine Beer Company 'Pure Hoppiness' Double IPA. 8% abv. Golden honey color, hazy, some sediment. Two fingers of foamy ivory head. Excellent retention, nice lace. Nose of pine, bright herbal hops. Front taste of light malt, bitter herbal hops, botanical, resin on the back end. Aftertaste is tall bitter herb, vegetal, citrus rind, dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is somewhat thin, sticky, slightly astringent.

This is a good DIPA that should be recategorized. It's an IPA. I don't care what the malt bill is. It could be a great brew if it were balanced better. Instead, we get a bitter hoppy standard IPA. 

When I have a DIPA, I look for a tall malt presence that complements an abundant hop expression. Perhaps a sweet finish. Perhaps a rich mouthfeel. Feel free to blame Pliny The Elder and Hop Stoopid for setting the bar in terms of that balance of flavor. Regardless, it's simply not here. In addition, the hop bundle is front and center, bright and forward, but not quite fresh in taste despite the dry hopping. The malt is nearly absent, evident in both its thin body and bitter-hoppy dominant taste. Citrus notes arise only in the tail of the aftertaste.

To be clear, I enjoyed this brew. However, I hesitate to recommend it, if only because it betrays its category, and because there is a sea of DIPAs that I would choose before having this again. If you love bitter hoppy brews, you will likely enjoy this beer. If you are looking for a big, bold, complex DIPA, seek elsewhere. Mildly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A West Coast Double IPA so mega-hopped it will take you to hop heaven. We’ve used hops in the boil, more hops in the giant hopback, and added to that, an incredible amount of dry-hopping for that cutting-edge 'hop bite.' Once you’ve tasted this unique beer, all others pale in comparison."
[source: alpinebeerco.com]

Tap 79 Brewing Co. Double IPA. 8% abv. 80 IBU. Hazy straw color. Finger of white foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose of citrus, tropical fruit, juicy, floral. 

Front taste of grapefruit rind, sweet light fruit, bitter floral hops, bitter botanical end note. Flavors of pine emerge as the temp rises. Aftertaste is grapefruit, candy sugar, bitter fruity hop bouquet. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, carby, dry, sticky, resiny.

This is one of those contract house beers made for and sold by good ol' Trader Joe's, this one brewed by Golden Road out of Los Angeles, CA. TJ's house beers run the gamut from swill to gold, and this DIPA is somewhere in the middle, leaning toward gold. It's clearly modeled after the famous Pliny The Elder, with its bundle of floral hops and plenty of juicy tropics, coming across as a moderately successful clone.

At it's very friendly price point, its definitely worth your time, particularly if you enjoy citrus taste in your IPA. It may become on of your go-to low-price beers, or you may never have it again. Either way, you may be pleasantly surprised. Recommended.

Green Flash Brewing 'Le Freak' Belgian Style Imperial IPA. 9.2% abv. 101 IBU. Orange-honey color. Hazy. Two fingers of foamy white head. Nose of bright sweet citrus, orange, biscuit, tropical fruits. Outstanding retention, excellent lace.

Front taste is passion fruit, strong pine, bitter herbal hops. Aftertaste is marmalade, abundant floral and herbal hops, strong citrus rind, dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is hot, thick, jammy, sticky.

This is an exceptional beer, a big DIPA with a ton of tropical and citrus flavors, particularly orange, complemented by huge herbal hop bite. This beer is actually a blend of Green Flash's superb Belgian Tripel and Imperial IPA, a wining recipe that's become a reliable favorite and classic American craft ale. 

The bottle I enjoyed was aged for at four years, which no doubt helped mellow the tall hop bill, allowing the round bittersweet citrus tastes room to spread their wings. The result is a wonderful balance of flavors. I'm curious to compare this to a new bottle of Le Freak in a little flight. I'll look into it. In the meantime, this beer, regardless of age, is definitely worth your palate. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"First of its kind Belgian-American freak. Le Freak is the first-ever hybrid ale of its kind: the convergence of a Belgian-Style Trippel with an American Imperial IPA. This zesty Amarillo dry-hopped, bottle-conditioned marvel entices with fruity Belgian yeast aromatics and a firm, dry finish. Aromas of orange and passion fruit with sweet bready malts, and flavors of orange marmalade and citrus fruit pith. Experience a legendary beer."

[source: greenflashbrew.com]

Lengthwise Brewing 'Ale Ya' Imperial IPA. 9% abv. 75 IBU. Hazy honey color. Foamy off-white head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of sweet malt, sweet citrus, light melon, candy sugar. Front taste of bitter fruity hops, light brown sugar, tangy orange-citrus peel. Aftertaste is grapefruit rind, candy sugar, pungent herbal sustain, botanical, sweet finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, tangy, juicy, carby.

This is an exceptional DIPA, a malty sweet hop bouquet. It starts with a pungent aroma that brings fruit candy and flowers to mind, followed by a thick citrusy nearly syrupy taste and bright sweet flavor profile. I love beers like this, full of hop flavor against a malty backbone. Wonderful brew. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Intensely dry hopped double IPA featuring the best Yakima Valley hops. Hop bursting at flame out helps contribute hop flavor instead of hop bitterness and adds tropical and passion fruit overtones."

[source: ratebeer.com]

Stone Brewing 'Mocha IPA' Double IPA. 9% abv. 80 IBU. Amber cola color. Finger of white foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose of fresh ground coffee, sweet dark chocolate, earthy. Front taste of cocoa powder, fruity hops, bright spice on the back end. Aftertaste of molasses, bittersweet chocolate, botanical notes. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, resiny, slightly sticky.

This is an outstanding and unique beer. The aroma promises fresh coffee and ample chocolate, and the flavor still delivers more than you expect. Under the rich mocha profile is a bed of herbal and floral hops that layers the taste with each sip. A superbly crafted beer that has a ton of tall flavor from beginning to end. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A style-defying double IPA with cacao and coffee. IPA with mocha indulgence. Clearly, style lines have been crossed. Is it half-IPA, half-stout? Not quite. It’s definitely all IPA, but it’s also the best of both styles, making this love child of a beer simply just a beautiful, pleasure-seeking meld of imperial IPA and mocha indulgence. How did we come up with this inexplicably delicious creation? Well, that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that it exists and that it’s here for you now, thanks to our deliberate disregard for brewing norms. Some things are not meant to be known, just enjoyed...thoroughly... 

"Liberty Station Brewing Manager Kris Ketcham was inspired by two beers to create this wonderful IPA. Aleman / Two Brothers / Stone DayMan Coffee IPA and Stochasticity Project Master of Disguise golden stout triggered an inspiration in Kris to brew an IPA with both coffee and cocoa influence. When he first brewed this in 2015, it was an instant smash hit. And now we’ve found a great home for it!"

[source: stonebrewing.com]

Sandude Brewing ‘Sandude Double’ American IPA. 8% abv. 105 IBU. Orange-copper color with two fingers of white foamy head. Outstanding retention and good lace. Nose of fruity hops, sweet citrus, mild flowers. Front taste of abundant bitter floral hops, bittersweet grapefruit peel, light malt, bready sustain. Aftertaste is bright citrus, bitter floral hops, dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, carby, tangy, astringent on the back.

This is an excellent DIPA, one that chooses the bitter hoppy taste of most IPAs over the malt forward taste of most doubles. To be clear, only the body and abv suggest that this is a double. It simply tastes like a very good category IPA despite what the bottle or recipe may reveal. It's certainly well-crafted with tall flavors of citrus rind and bushels of floral hops. I would surely drink this again. Recommended.

From the brewery:

“Burst of 6 hops, moderate bodied and bitterness, citric and floral tones finish.”

[source: sandudebrewing.com]

Lagunitas Brewing 'Hop Stoopid' Imperial IPA. 8% abv. 102 IBU. Golden-Amber color. Two fingers of foamy white head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose of bright citrus, fruity hop bouquet, pine resin, tropical fruit, spicy herbal. Front taste of sweet light malt, floral, pineapple, ample bitter fruity hops, faint banana on the back. Aftertaste of citrus rind, bittersweet light fruit, spicy herbal. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, sticky, clingy on the back of the tongue.

This is an outstanding beer. The bitter hops are tall yet balanced perfectly with the malt, producing light fruit flavors and background herbs. The aroma is complex with many mixed yet distinct scents. The mouthfeel is perfect, actually complementing the fruit-pine resin smell and taste. I was very impressed with this beer. Grab a bomber, especially if you live balanced hoppy brews. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"A double barrel dose of malt and hops. The beer with a guarantee built right into the name, this one is destined to blast through the flavors from the night before. Massively dry-hopped for your aromatic pleasure... When the time came that hoppy beers jumped the shark with brewers everywhere trying to make the most bitter beer ever, we went more toward the flavor and aromas in the beer and used hop extract for our bittering addition to keep the beer huge on the flavor, letting the malt keep up with the bitterness to make you want another. And another. And another. Then you get stoopid."
[source: lagunitas.com]

Green Flash 'West Coast IPA' Double IPA. 8.1% abv. 95 IBU. Deep amber color. Clear. Finger of creamy-foamy ivory head. Excellent retention and outstanding lacing. Nose of sweet citrus, tropical fruit, floral hops, bready back. Front taste of bittersweet citrus rind, tall fruity bitter hops, sweet orange on the back end. Aftertaste of ample bitter fruity hops, grapefruit peel on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, slightly sticky, botanical, astringent.

This is an excellent DIPA. The hop profile is tall and vibrant, with a balanced bitter and flavors of sweet fruit, bitter citrus, and bright floral throughout. The malt taste is light but ever present with sweet and bready notes. This brew is worthy of your palate, particularly if you are a lover of hops. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Taste a piece of history. As craft beer pioneers, we embarked on an expedition to brew the benchmark West Coast IPA. We ventured into the unknown and struck gold, discovering a tantalizing menagerie of hops. Simcoe for tropical and grapefruit zest, Columbus for hop pungency, Centennial for pine notes, Citra for citrus zest and Cascade for floral aroma are layered throughout the brewing process. West Coast IPA exemplifies the Green Flash spirit of adventure and discovery."

[source: greenflashbrew.com]

Stone Brewing 'Ruination 2.0' Double IPA. 8.5% abv. 100+ IBU. Golden honey color. Two+ fingers of white foamy head. Excellent retention and lace. Nose of sweet citrus, fruity hops, pine notes, biscuit. Front taste of ample bitter fruity hops, mild grapefruit rind, tropical light fruit, strong pine and floral hops on the back. Aftertaste of citrus peel, bitter floral hop bite, sweet light malt sustain. Light-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm-hit, sticky, resiny, floral.

This is an excellent DIPA, a bolder, more complex successor to the original Ruination. The blend of hops shows in every sniff and sip, with a bitter fruit backbone accented by sweet, malty, and floral tastes. The mouthfeel alone elevates this to an imperial/double level, along with the notes of pine, tropical fruit, and strong citrus. Very good stuff. A must for fans of hoppy, complex beers. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Stone Ruination IPA was the first full-time brewed and bottled West Coast double IPA on the planet. As craft beer has evolved over the years, so too have techniques for maximizing hop flavors and aromas. For the second incarnation of our groundbreaking India pale ale, we employed dry hopping and hop bursting to squeeze every last drop of piney, citrusy, tropical essence from the hops that give this beer its incredible character. We’ve also updated the name to reflect the imperial-level intensity that’s evident in every sip. Join us in cheering this, the second stanza in our 'Liquid Poem to the Glory of the Hop.'"

[source: stonebrewing.com]

"When this double IPA first hit the scene in 2002, the hoppy beer landscape was far different than it is today. Ales offering an onslaught of resinous humulus lupulus were virtually unknown. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Terms such as "lupulin" and "IBU" are well established in the craft beer lexicon. And with the knowledge of all that hops have to offer comes the desire to go beyond bracing bitterness. Fortunately, Stone Ruination IPA had always been crafted to celebrate all the facets of the hop - its beauty and poetry, it's boldness and might. As craft beer has evolved, so too have techniques for extracting the best and the most out of hops. So we modernized Stone Ruination IPA, coaxing every last drop of piney, citrusy, tropical essence from the Centennial, Citra, Simcoe and Azacca hops that give this beer its incredible character. Join us in cheering this, the second stanza in our 'Liquid Poem to the Glory of the Hop.'"

[source: bottle]