Sweetwater IPA

Brewed by Sweetwater Brewing Company
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
Atlanta, Georgia USA

Best before Feb 2006 bottle shared by SuIIy on 6/9/06. Shimmering (light sediment suspended) bronze with deep strawberry-blonde tints showcase this lightly filtered body. The off-white head sits atop, perfectly retained at about a centimeter in height and providing plenty of lacing. If this is past its best before date, I can only imagine it fresh. Strong perfumey hops emanate from the liquid, mixing about with lightly toasted grains that begin to build. Though the colombus greatly overpower the goldings, the goldings still do provide a hint of spicy/grassiness that is highly dry, zesty and challenging. Soft pine resin slowly weaves itself about the caramel malts and a hint of breadiness is felt as an afterthought. Not too sugary either, but a good backbone is notable from the aroma, without ruining the hops. The flavor is surprisingly restrained and lightly fruity, with bits of oat-like creaminess, chewy, and sporting notes of vanilla and buttery biscuits. Some perfuminess lingers on, and is especially apparent at this age, as the acid from the colombus has definitely calmed down. I can tell this was just absolutely packed with hops by the strong plant-like chewiness and old leafiness. Very clean, with no yeast apparent, nor alcohol. Firm, nearly creamy texture and light carbonation that is engaging. How bout that head retention? Must be the wheat...

This IPA has the strongest hop flavors that I have tasted so far. I know IPA’s are suposed to be higher hops and alcohol, but this beer screams hops. The piny citrusy taste is powerful at first then tones down. I love the Tours att the Brewery and can’t wait for more new beers!

I’ve been drinking this for a while, but the new version has really increased my interest. Big pine and resin and lemon and citrus aroma -really nice. Very little malt taste. A little hazy with an OK, creamy, white head. I’m starting to prefer this to Terrapin. I really like that they added teh Simcoe hops. Nwo if they would only make a DIPA.

12 oz bottle
Thanks to CaptainCougar for the trade at Dark Lord Day.
Aroma / Appearance - When pouring there was a huge, foamy head that grew from the second it hit the glass. After letting it settle from the aggressive pour I was able to see it eventually settled into a bubbly layer over the lemon colored body. Hints of pine, spruce, grapefruit and citrus confirmed that this IPA was on target, at least with the nose.
Flavor / Palate - My first impression was of a bitter lemon taste, as if someone had combined hops with some iced tea then squeezed in a lemon. Underneath that were fruity notes, specifically grapefruit. The mouthfeel was very well balanced with a bitterness that lingers but does not overwhelm the palate. Eventually this too fades but not before an enjoyable amount of time has lapsed. An excellent IPA and one that I wish I could get here in Wisconsin.

A hazy golden amber beer with an aroma of hops and malt. The flavor of the hops just slightly beats out the malt but pretty well balanced. A nicely carbonated palate that isn’t fizzy or watery. Thanks to kp the beer doctor.

Enjoyed at Noogfest-II. Growler from KP? The “new” IPA with Simcoe I think…Good looking brew, and nice orange amber. Wonderfully fresh hop aroma with grass and citrus and a very light malt presence. Crisp! Super hoppy citrus and spice (earthy). Minimal malt taste. Grassy with a lightly sweet hint. Semi-dry, crisp finish. Good IPA.

Hazy copper color with a well-defined, sustained, creamy, white head. Aroma is dominated by grapefruit and lemon grass that come off as separate, distinct, and intense components. So intense that it shows a resinous quality. Flavor is beautifully bold. Intense citrus, grapefruit pith, resin, lemon, and grassy flavors are off set with a wonderful IPA acidity and a firm, sweet malt. A keeper.

Great hops. You get a wif as soon as the top is off. Pours between a light orange and a lovely gold. The malt hits first then as it fades the hops really take over. Not as hoppy as a double IPA, but for a regular IPA this is close to the top. Re-rate: Tons of grapefruit in the flavor, as well as more of a malty backbone. Feels creamier than I remember as well. I already liked this beer, but now it is amazing. I could drink this all damn day.