 ClarkVV (3550), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Dec 21, 2006
2006 bottles drunk on numerous occasions in November ’06<br />Typical bells appearance, with light sediment on the bottom, and tiny bottle conditioned bubbles producing a lightly creamy, white head that is medium in height and retained very well, leaving clumps of lacing as it recedes. High clarity leaving the sediment behind with just a slight touch of haziness. Soft peach and honey colored body has a bit of tangerine and very light strawberry tones.<br />Vibrantly fruity is the nose, with luscious lychee, strawberries, sweet cherries and guavas. It tapers off teasingly in a modestly bitter, grapefruity finish that calls upon light base malt sweetness and an even more reserved caramel-like hint. The aroma smells creamy, if that’s possible. Of abundant strength and just fantastically fresh and fuzzy are the hops. Tremendous care with dry-hopping is apparent. The malt sweetness and fruitiness do not come off overbearing, though they are definitely a factor in the nose. Clean as always from Bells, but still distinctly Bells. No alcohol noted. Other things that arent noted: overdone bittering, leafy/vegetal notes, obnoxious pine resin, astringent/hard crystal malts, sourish munich malts.<br />Malt and hop immediately vie for power at first sip. Sweet, honey-caramel malt notes are balanced by fruity, fuzzy, fresh, green, juicy hops. Bitterness through the middle is quite reserved for a double IPA. Some dry citric notes (white grapefruit, oranges, mild lemons) consider acidifying things, but a resurgence of malt sugars right before the finish wipe them out and you’re left with more succulent hop flavors of watermelon, guava, cherry and strawberry.<br />To be honest, my first impression was that this wasnt bitter enough, probably the first time I’ve ever said that about an DIPA. But the extra malt sugars that come through combine nicely with the hop notes to produce all of the softer, sweeter fruit notes mentioned, so it’s not so much of a bad thing in that aspect. Just maybe a touch too sweet to drink too many of them, though DIPAs are hardly a session beer. Still, I’d be intrigued to see what a little more attenuation would produce. Soft texture with a medium-low amount of carbonation that is reasonably tight. Some hop acids and light phenolic dryness do eventually build-up and linger on the palate, with just an ever-so-slight touch of alcohol warming toward the end of the bottle, giving almost a bittersweet edge to the beer.
bubslang (436), Kentwood, Michigan, USA
Dec 1, 2008 nice strong citrus hop nose with some floral notes. bright copper colored with a nice beige head. nice bitter hop taste with notes of grapefruit, sour apples and pine. alcohol is well hidden,very nice
jbrus (4305), Delft, Netherlands
Nov 28, 2008 Bottle@Home. Strong but not overwhelming floral, fruity and grassy aroma. Golden/amber color, beige firm head, good lace. Pretty sweet, very bitter, fruity, certainly grassy and oak twigs. Full with dry finish. Flavourful yet excellent balance.
hopslam (1), , USA
does not count  Nov 18, 2008 From bottle at the Capital Ale House in Richmond, VA. Beer buyer broke it our from her special "vault". Pours a hazy orange-yellow color with strong, positive floral and citrus aromas. Specifying different aromas is not my strong suit, so I’ll just leave it at pleasantly hoppy. Fantastic flavor with the perfect bitterness that completely covers the high alcohol content. This is my favorite brew and January can’t get here soon enough. Already planning a trip back to Bell’s in Kalamazoo!
taalhiker (172), Dayton, Ohio, USA
Nov 2, 2008 From bottle. Part of February Dayton Beer Tasting event. Poured dense yellow with huge pine and citrus hops nose. Flavors follow the aromas in addition to apple and honey. No alcoholic aftertaste. Another winner from Bells.
Beardface (257), Eugene, Oregon, USA
Oct 28, 2008 The hops in this one slam into you like a novacaine hurricane and don’t let up until you tap into submission. Beautiful gold pour with a massive citrus and floral aroma that largely features oranges. Some honey in the flavor on top of the aforementioned ingredients. For serious hop lovers only.
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