Headwater's IPA
Amicas

 

 

every time i go to some new mountain town in colorado it seems i am discovering a tasty ipa that nobody knows about. i liked this one a lot, and it deserves some credit from the hoppy beer snobs of this fair state. lightning yellow in the right light, hazy and heady, looks awesome in a pint glass. it smells great too, layers of hops. grassy and bitter at first, drying, late summery, followed by firm citrus bitterness and zest, very tropical and lively there. i really like the hops in the flavor too, rising well above a very mellow grain base to be quite assertive. bitterness is high, but they are flavorful too. grapefruit and grapefruit rind come to mind, and there is a little yeastiness going on as well, appropriate. fuller bodied and finishing long, but it isnt sweet. the hops just hang on forever. a little filling, but i like that after a long day on monarch mountain. hearty and satisfying, but maybe not the most drinkable beer out there. better carbonation than their amber too. overall i was impressed with the two beers i had from these guys. i will have to visit their spot next time i make it down that way...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed on tap at Amicas in Salida after climbing Shavano and Tabeguache.

Slightly hazy with one finger white head. Not much retention, but excellent lacing.

Smells like an IPA should: citrus, hop oils, pine. Strong and fresh with faint bready malts in the background.

Hits the palate with citrus, giving way to pine and grassy notes. Finishes with subtle malt notes; lingering citrusy bitterness.

Medium body with just the right amount of carbonation. Some nice resins stick to the teeth, which I enjoy. Minimal alcohol sensation.

A very solid IPA from a lesser-known brewery. Amicas is a great place with unbelievable food and some great beers. Not surprisingly, the line's out the door all summer.

 

 

 

A solid IPA from Amica's. Pours a very hazy golden color with a light orange hue. A good head and retention through the tasting but did dissipate over time.

The nose has a great balance with malt and hops. To start the hops have a citrus and grapefruit aroma that blends nicely. Some light rose like esters but not overwhelming. The malt has a good sweet backing with some hints of biscuit. Very clean yeast with some only minor notes coming out.

The taste if very balanced as well. There is a nice bitterness that does linger into the finish but doesn't over power the finishing hops. Mostly a citrus and grapefruit but some floral and a feint grassy note as well. The malt supports the hops well with a sweeter malt flavor. Some sugary notes and a light bready/biscuit backing. Very light in palate but nice as supports the hops.

The body is moderate to light moderate. Carbonation is a little light but supports the hop character and lets it shine. Overall a great surprise from a smaller scale brewery.

Amica's IPA (and their strongest full-time brew) looks and smells like a solid IPA, amber in hue, little head, and a strong citrus bouquet. What makes this notable is the strength of its flavor profile: a strong bitter start is balanced out by a piney, grassy, and very dank tasting finish. Interestingly, with the exception of lemon, the citrus flavors to which I'm so accustomed in this style are secondary here to the earthy ones.

The swing from strong bitterness to dank cool makes for an enjoyable, if challenging mouthfeel. Nonetheless, for something with such distinct flavors and strength, I could very contentedly finish off three.

A worthwhile try if you find yourself at Amica's.