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]

Romeo y Julieta Havoc Magnum. At 6x60, this is a big bold cigar. Excellent build quality. Good cut and light, even burn on the first third, with a lopsided burn to follow that was easily placed back on course. Balanced medium flavor of cedar and leaf in the first half. Deep rich leathery taste toward the end. Flawless draw from start to finish. Clean ash that clings a good two inches with ease. This is an extraordinary smoke, great for sharing. Solo, you're looking at 2+ hours with this bad boy.

From the company:

"Romeo y Julieta is an iconic cigar named after a literary favorite. The 1875 cigar’s beautiful Indonesian Shade Grown TBN wrapper surrounds a classic Dominican binder and a blend of Dominican long fillers that burn with a characteristic white ash, providing a smooth, mellow taste with medium body. It’s a premium cigar with a storybook ending."

I enjoyed this Havoc outside with some Chai tea at Teazer World Tea House.