Experimental IPA #3
Great Divide Brewing Co.

12oz can. Poured out a clear, golden orange color with a small, off-white head of foam. It left sudsy trails of lace on the glass. It smelled of citrus fruits, melon, resinous pine and sweet caramel. Great tropical fruit taste with toasted caramel and a piney bitterness.

There's no number on the label, but research indicates that this is the one now available in The Great Divide's Hoppy Variety Pack. Two twelve ounce cans have been emptied into a clear glass liter mug. It's a great look. There's a modest and enduring white head on top of a golden-amber brew. It's somewhat hazy, but not opaque. Sharp earthy and resinous hops hit the nose before any starches. To taste, there's quite a bit of earthiness to go with the resinous hops. The backing is a little like whole grain bread, but the hops stand out. Resinous, but not sticky, nor unnecessarily astringent, this flat out tastes wonderful. It is described by the brewer as a West Coast style AIPA, and it's a great one. The high ABV isn't noticeable until it warms the esophagus and brings some bliss. The finish dries out, nicely bitter and again, without any harshness. It's still only January of 2023, but this will be remembered as one of the best of the year. Let's hope this experiment gets repeated, with the same results, for quite some time.