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]

Knee Deep 'Lupulin River' Imperial IPA. 8% abv. Golden-honey color. Clear. Finger of foamy white head. Excellent retention and outstanding lacing. Nose of light fruit, pine, sweet bread, bright spice notes. Front taste of floral bitter hops, light fruity malt, slightly sweet, floral back end. Aftertaste is bitter herbal hops, stone fruit, pine, distant cloves. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, bright, sticky back.

This is an excellent beer. The fruity taste is present throughout, balanced with the mix of bitter hops and light malt. There are nice notes of spice and pine from the aroma to the aftertaste. A solid beer worthy of its category. Well recommended.

NOTE: Special thanks for Martin Almanza for the lead photo, and Michael Mendoza for the end photo. Both are fellow members of the Central Valley Craft Beer Drinkers. Cheers!

From the brewery:

"This Double IPA includes Mosaic and Simcoe hops, South American specialty malt, and tons of tastiness. Looks like liquid gold, smells like a bright tropical fruit pine forest, and tastes like all that and more."

[source: kneedeepbrewing.com]

I had Knee Deep Lupulin River on tap at Peeve's Public house. Awesome brew!

The lacing on this beer is divine.

Knee Deep Lupulin has lacing that is a work of art in itself.

Photo courtesy of Michael Mendoza