King Arthur’s Double IPA

Very much like the Scotch Ale I sampled, this beer was a mess from the mash, very tannic, grainy/husky and astringent. The only saving grace was a heavy dose of citric hops, perhaps a touch of new mown hay, that helps to cover the mistakes in the malts. Hop levels not nearly close to DIPA levels, I should mention, but it made for good IPA level hoppings. Nevertheless, the hops don’t sufficiently cover the basic flaws in this beer.

Sampled at brewpub with Lubiere. Med.-deep golden colour, a sl. haze. Slightly yellow-ish-greenish head. A reasonably hoppy nose (a bit of citrus). Malt comes through. Fairly full mouthfeel, even a little syrupy. Malty and sweet with hops at the end. A little bitter, but not excessive. Fades to an alcoholic finish. Fairly balanced, but too sweet for me.

Lightly hazed golden ale with a creamy white head, lacing. A floral hops in aroma with nice light caramel and light orange citrus. In mouth, a creamy malt, lightly oily, mint, a bit of alcohol warmth. A decent IPA, but not an imperial IPA. On tap at the pub, with kprobst, Oct. 22 2006.