AleSmith YuleSmith (Summer) India Pale Ale

Brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
San Diego, California USA

This was insanely heavy on the hops, which is a good thing. Im not sure if this is any different at all from the winter version but i did get alot of floral and citrus in the hops.

I went in to this expecting a lot & my expectations were exceeded. This was a present from a kind friend who vacationed in San Diego. Poured hazy dark orange / brown with an attractive beige head. Aroma has a TON of grapefruit hops with some pine aspects mixed in. There is also a healthy amount of sweet malt in the background. Full bodied beer with generous soft carbonation. Incredibly well balanced - thick rich caramel malt and piney citrus hops - almost a creamy feel to the taste. Finish get more piney and sharp, but the malt is still evident. One of the best beers I’ve had and easily the best balanced IIPA or IPA I think I’ve had. Excellent beer that I hope to have again.

High quality beers are the norm from Alesmith, and this seasonal makes me glad yet again that they are available in Ohio now. Deep reddish amber pour with a thick and foamy light tan head. Thick, fluffy lacing too. Heady hops and citrus in the nose, along with a bit of pine. Medium-bodied. There is not an insane level of hops in the flavor, which is kind of a break in the style. As a matter of fact it might be the most well-rounded Double IPA I have tried. Citrusy hops and spice is rounded out by a definite malt undercurrent. The finish is lingeringly bitter. The alcohol is well-hidden throughout. A great beer.

Very good, not quite great. The Commercial Description is accurate. Its best quality is the creamy mouthfeel.

Dark amber color...cloudy, with a frothy tan head. The aroma was wonderful...bready, citrusy, floral tones. The flavor was full of bitter citrus tones and floral tones. The feel was very crisp, not too thick...dry finish. Thanks Odeed!

amber colour, off white head. big hoppy aroma with grapefruit, citrus fruit cocktail and wood. big bodied palate. flavour is super hoppy but very balanced with sweet toffee and orange flavours. best iipa I’ve had

Thick reddish amber color with a decent sized head on top. The aroma is the what I like in a beer with too much hops for our own good. Hints of citrus (lemon lime, pineapple) floral notes and pine. The flavor has a good deal of maltiness to keep it somewhat balanced, but still, thats a whole lotta hops. It makes the sides of my jaw cringe at first, but does in fact leave my mouth with some warmth and robust malt flavor. Such a good brew.---Summer 05 offering. This was hyped as being a different brew, but falls into the same rating. So from my previous description, yeah, I can definately notice a difference: Spicier. Not like Jacobite or anything like that, it just comes off as being a bit more well rounded in that category. RERATE on 8-4-2009 from a ’09 bottle purchased at Rozi’s in Lakewood. This one smells all sorts of pudry. Rich malty character is overshadowed by a very nice citrus smell. Lots of fancy star- and grape-fruit smells. The flavor comes off with a nice crispness that only helps to solidify the flavor here. It just rolls with a good strong flavor, fruity sweetness and hefty malt body.

On tap at AleSmith and out of the bottle. What can I say, I really liked this beer. Lots of fruit, and very smooth. Hops are noticeable and tasty, but not overwhelming. One of the best IIPA’s I’ve had. I’m glad I’ve got half a dozen of these at home.