Double IPA (Small Batch Series #8)
Alewerks Brewing Company

I had this first batch of Small Batch #8 a few times. Twice at Alewerks (a day and a week after its release) and again a few weeks later elsewhere.

The fresh version is flat out awesome. This is a citrus IIPA and a spot on fantastic one at that. Lots of grapefruit, little pine, pours a color more in line with a wheat beer than a typical IIPA I think. I'd probably give it a 4.75 across the board fresh.

However I had it a couple weeks later, was considering getting a growler, but it fell off very fast. All the bright citrus was gone. There was a very distinct onion character (the bartender said "buttery" which is nicer, but less accurate to what I tasted).

I hope they make this more and it becomes a regular fresh offering.

Edit: Good news, looks like they're bottling this for an August 2015 release!

 

Stopped by the brewery last Sunday and this was offered on tap and poured into a snifter.

L: This beer has a nice golden appearance with one finger of foamy head. There was very nice lacing that lasted throughout, coating the glass from top to bottom.

S: Wonderful citrus and pine notes that pleased my big nose. Very floral and fragrant.

T: Immediate hop bitterness up front. As the beer coats the palate you get a nice citrus taste and a hint of honey sweetness. Nicely balanced.

I really enjoyed this beer. Very refreshing and drinkable at 8%+. I really hope they bottle this in the future, or I will at least be able to get it during my return trips to Williamsburg.

 

 

Happened to go to the brewery for a tour the day of the tapping. Solid Double IPA, catty nose, grapefruit and some pine on the palate. Fairly clean, solid overall flavor.