Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster

Brewed by Terrapin Beer Company
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
Athens, Georgia USA

12oz. Bottle. Different appearance than I expected, came through a dark ruby color with a very thin collar of foam. Not a hop bomb on the nose, definitely has some floral citrus notes backed up by a scent of malty sweetness. This beers shines in the flavor department. Rich caramel taste that is well balanced by bittering hops. After the caramel I’m getting some notes of doughy bread and a hint of fruit. Impressive layer of hop flavor throughout that feels resinous and piney on the tongue. Very sticky and viscous mouthfeel that complements the style well. Ends with a quick hit of malt sweetness and an oh so subtle bit of alcohol heat. Enjoyed the balance in this one, not overly bitter and not a sugary monstrosity either. I could actually see this being a session beer for me.

Poured from bottle to a tulip. Received via trade courtesy of billab914, thanks Bill! A: Pours a burnt red color that allows very little light through. No head or lacing to speak of. S: The roasted caramel malts is very prominent, but is well balanced by a combination of a bitter citrus smell and a grassy note. T: The first flavor coming through is bittering hops, followed by an overwhelming (in a good way!) caramel-malt backbone. There are definite hints of piney and sweet, fruity hops. The finish has an alcohol bite that is perfectly incorporated into the malt. To me this tastes like a malty DIPA with a barleywine-esque sweetness. M: The beer really lingers on the palate. This is partially due to the sticky piney hops, but mainly due to the dominant caramel malt. D: From start to finish this is one highly drinkable beer. I’ve never had anything quite like it, but will look for similar monstrosities in the future. Thank you Terrapin!

Dark amber color beneath a thin off-white head. Pungent hop aroma full of pine and grapefruit. Initial flavor of malty sweetness leads into a citrus and pine laced hop bitterness. Very nicely balanced.

Bottle, courtesy of pbsmooth. Shared with Rudolf, Jacb & El Jefe. Deep amber pour. Solid hop filled aroma. Caramel malts & solid hop flavor. Really good India Amber. Want more

From a 2009 4-pack, for which I think the Liquor Loft here in Tallahassee charged me about $900. Sweeter by a bit than usually I like as the hops nearly but don’t quite balance the malts. Caramel and raspberry. First few sips hoppier and less sweet somehow than the last. Tasty nonetheless.

Bottle. Pours an amber body with an off white head. Big hop profile, with a sweet pine, and citrus tones. Some lighter grapefruit with the malt bill relatively in check. A very nice red, maybe my favorite.

On draft @ The Brass Tap. Poured orange with big tan head. Nose is citrus, pine and dank hops melded together with big sweet malts. Flavor is a sharp pine bitterness, orange and lemon peel, sweet grapefruit and toffee. Finishes bitter.

12oz bottle. Pours copper in color with tan head. Aroma citrus hops and malt. Taste grapefruit, citrus hops and roasted malt with bitter finish.