Judge's Review: 91 Rating - Drift Racer by Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Drift Racer by Bear Republic Brewing Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the Double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol content style, Double IPAs are fairly drinkable and lack a heavy malty body, which are more typical traits of beers of this alcohol content. Drift Racer measures in at 8% ABV and is hopped with Galaxy, Hallertau Blanc and Huell Melon hop varieties.

Drift Racer pours dark golden in color with a large fluffy white head and a slight haze. The aroma is prominently hoppy with aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, honeydew melon and blackberries; a light trace of nutty malt exists well behind the hops. The body is appropriately medium with a light, pleasant warmth. The flavor is again hop-forward but not as delicate as the aroma; aggressive grapefruit and resiny hops dominate the flavor profile finishing with an aggressive bitterness and a light hop astringency. On an interesting note, as the beer warms, the hop profile becomes more tropical fruit, apricot and grapefruit.  This beer is a very good Double IPA that is definitely crafted for the hop heads among us. Enjoy the aggressive, interesting hop profile!