-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Big A IPA
Smuttynose Brewing Company
- From:
- Smuttynose Brewing Company
- New Hampshire, United States
- Style:
- Imperial IPA
- ABV:
- 9.7%
- Score:
- 89
- Avg:
- 3.96 | pDev: 10.86%
- Reviews:
- 896
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Nov 14, 2023
- Added:
- Jun 16, 2002
- Wants:
- 100
- Gots:
- 161
Ever since Stash Wojciechowski, the “Killer Kielbasa,” created this Imperial IPA for our Big Beer Series, Big A IPA has gotten a lot of attention. Lauded by the New York Times and Men's Journal Magazine, it’s been one of the most talked-about beers around. Brewed in very small quantities, it has also been one of the hardest-to-find. Until now.
Big A IPA has everything you’d want in an India Pale Ale, only more: more hops, more malt & more flavor. Na zdrowie!
120 IBU
Big A IPA has everything you’d want in an India Pale Ale, only more: more hops, more malt & more flavor. Na zdrowie!
120 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by LittleBreeze:
Reviewed by LittleBreeze from New York
4.2/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.2/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I've ever had a beer from the Smutty Big beers that hasn't been great. This is no exception. Along with the citrus and floral aromas, there is an outstanding caramel smell. It is up front in the taste too. A little sticky.
Easy to drink. However, at over 9%, take care.
Sep 21, 2008Easy to drink. However, at over 9%, take care.
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by josanguapo from Spain
5/5 rDev +26.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +26.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
From Miguel. In Teku glass. Playing Broken Sword 5. Superb mixing of tropical fruits sweetness with high bitterness and very well hidden ABV (in taste/nose, but you stand up...)
Nov 17, 2016Reviewed by Ciocanelu from Romania
3.8/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
3.8/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Bottle says 8.2% ABV. Slightly hazy golden color with off-white head. Aroma is quite malty but I also get oranges, sweet orange peel, overripe tangerines and also some booze. Taste is quite balanced. Malty but not sweet, earthy, citrusy, piney hops, medium to harsh bitterness on the finish and lingers on the aftertaste with grapefruit flavor. Medium body and carbonation, feels quite smooth. Overall it's a classic double IPA with a solid malt backbone and a good amount of bitterness.
Sep 27, 2016Reviewed by richj1970 from Alabama
4.1/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.1/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from 12 oz bottle dated 6/22/2016.
A: Clear sunshine yellow with one finger dense white head with lasting retention and leaving some moderate lacing.
S: Fresh pine, grapefruit, tangerine, and pineapple combined with lightly sweet pale malts.
T: Tropical citrus with grapefruit, pineapple, mango, and peaches offset with just the right amount of pale cracker malt.
M: Medium body with average carbonation. Slightly creamy but crisp at the same time. Alcohol is extremely well hidden here.
O: Very nice DIPA with a nice range of aromas and flavors. Definitely something I would revisit anytime I can find fresh.
Jul 17, 2016A: Clear sunshine yellow with one finger dense white head with lasting retention and leaving some moderate lacing.
S: Fresh pine, grapefruit, tangerine, and pineapple combined with lightly sweet pale malts.
T: Tropical citrus with grapefruit, pineapple, mango, and peaches offset with just the right amount of pale cracker malt.
M: Medium body with average carbonation. Slightly creamy but crisp at the same time. Alcohol is extremely well hidden here.
O: Very nice DIPA with a nice range of aromas and flavors. Definitely something I would revisit anytime I can find fresh.
Reviewed by Sabtos from Ohio
3.34/5 rDev -15.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.34/5 rDev -15.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Yellow with a medium, soft white head.
Primarily limey hops takeover the nose.
Taste is spicey pine, lime, and fresh hops.
Soft but thin and refreshing.
Jun 29, 2016Primarily limey hops takeover the nose.
Taste is spicey pine, lime, and fresh hops.
Soft but thin and refreshing.
Big A IPA from Smuttynose Brewing Company
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
1725 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!