Quasar Double IPA
Jupiter

Another review from the way back machine, this was at the 8th annual double ipa festival on February 9, 2008 at the Bistro in Hayward, CA. Poured a light bronze color with 1/2" white head. Good clarity. Aroma revealed what seemed like a Centennial and Chinook combo, lots of pine like bitterness in the nose, you're in the Sierra foothills on this one.

The taste is nice and all piney, the body is softer and less sticky than a lot of double ipas from this era, they eschewed a heftier all barley malt base by going with a lighter toasted pale malt and use of oats (but not flaked oats, wait a decade for that hazy stuff, you're not ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it.gif).

This beer is still a mainstay at the brewery, and for good reason. It drapes itself all over the Centennial hop and keeps the heavier malt body out the way, but still provides plenty of dry backbone for the pine flavors. Its a classic that is still unpackaged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Had on-tap at Jupiter. Served in an Imperial pint glass. Reviewed from notes.

A - Looked really good when served. Nice deep amber, clear body with a thick foamy white head that lasted. Beautiful lacing throughout.

S - Lovely caramelly maltiness with super strong pine resinous hops. Slight citrus zest.

T - Honey, pine needles, and lemon zest. Very bitter at back end. Sweet like orange-blossom honey on the lips.

M - Decent mouthfeel. High carbonation and alcoholic finish.

O - I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. It looked and smelled great, but there was something about the taste that wasn't as good as other DIPAs. The pine flavor was overpowering and left a highly bitter aftertaste that other DIPAs do not. I would try again next time I'm there, but just to compare with their other IPAs on tap that I did not get to try that last time.