Alpha Abstraction, Vol. VX by Wild Leap Brew Co. is being evaluated as a Double IPA (Category 22A) from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Alpha Abstraction pours a hazy light gold with a lingering white head that remains throughout the glass. It features a prominent fresh and bright resiny, pungent hop aroma that slowly shifts into mixed tropical fruit and light stone fruit. As the hop aroma settles out, a candy-like impression of sweetness emerges with a moderately light bready maltiness. It has a clean fermentation profile and light floral alcohol on the nose.

The flavor is an intense mixed tropical fruit with light resin, and spicy, pungent hops that take center stage initially with a light candy-like residual sweetness and bready malt following behind. High hop bitterness emerges mid-palate and lingers long through the off-dry finish, remaining smooth throughout. Light spicy alcohol and a clean fermentation profile rounds out the flavor. The medium-full body and medium-low alcohol warming help to provide structure.

This wonderfully brewed hazy double IPA has an intense fresh and bright hop character with a supporting cast of bready malt, smooth hop bitterness and enough alcohol to remind you that it is indeed a DIPA. This is an extremely enjoyable beer anytime, anywhere.