Double Pacific Ale

This beer is a light yellow color that forms a medium-sized white head with good retention. There is some haze that detracts from the appearance slightly. As the head drops, it laces the glass. The aroma leads with some earthiness layered with grapefruit, herb, and even a little tropical hop character and is rounded out by some light biscuit malt and a trace of alcohol in the form of a flowery, perfume-like note. A very clean fermentation is apparent, with only a mild berry character emerging as it warms. In the flavor, a big, spicy hop character with a citrus aftertaste is found, which is not that bitter, but the alcohol gives the impression of a substantial beer. The malt is much more apparent in the flavor, adding a distinct sweetness at the midpoint and lasting through to the aftertaste. There is also a lingering, alcoholic bitterness that resolves to pine resin and spiciness as the last things you taste before the flavor ends. The sudden appearance of sweetness is surprising because the flavor starts as if it will end being bone dry. A medium body and medium carbonation ends with a very noticeable but smooth alcohol. There is a bit of stickiness on the palate that gives the beer a fuller sensation than a drier beer might have, but it is still smoother than your typical IPAs. Overall, I like the hop choices in this beer, and it's more bitter, sweeter and flavorful than the aroma indicates. An American Strong Ale that lives in a house at the corner of Double IPA Drive and Barleywine Boulevard.