Extremish Homegrown IPA--2009
Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks

Growler into shaker pint on 10/21/09. Thanks to Deuane for procuring a growler of this for me during a recent visit to Elk Creek.

A - Dispensed as a clear, shiny amber-colored liquid with lots of tiny bubble of carbonation and a finger's worth of bubbly, off-white head that reduced to a patchy retention and left spotty lace in its wake.

S - This hopped-up version of Elk Creek's harvest IPA begins with an apparent waft of alcohol in the midst of some pretty assertive resinous hops with traces of pine and citrus notes. Malt character is sweet and caramely, trying its best to balance the strong alcohol and hop presence.

T - Citrus and resinous hops abound, but are adequately balanced by a very sweet, syrupy caramel malt character. While this DIPA got sweeter and more alcoholic as it reached room temperature, the hops remained intact for the duration.

M - Medium bodied with a sticky, syrupy texture and subtle carbonation accompanied by some residual hop oiliness on the palate. Finish is indeed quite hoppy but very sweet with a moderate alcohol sting.

D - The alcohol is definitely noticeable in this DIPA, especially after it warmed up a bit. While this is very different than last year's fresh, dank concoction, I found this to be quite enjoyable overall.

A growler filled at the brewpub on 15-Oct-09.

A: The DIPA, Elk Creek's first foray into big hoppy ales, is a copper color, a used penny rather than a new one. Despite the darker color, I can still see through it. A finger of white head filled up my mug nut left with no trace.

S: The nose is nicely hopped, piquant and lively with citrusy sweetness. Plenty of biscuity malts pair off with the hops.

T: My first impression is that the ale is hoppy but not overwhelmingly so. As in the nose, citrus is the dominant flavor. A drawback to the hops is a penicillin-like flavor that appears at the end of each sip. That element dries out the taste, leaving citrus to linger. Throughout the body, biscuity malts add a light caramel flavor. The penicillin note diminishes over time, luckily. That allows the hops to drive a little more citrus, orange peel and grapefruit, in each sip.

M: The mouthfeel is ups and downs. Over time, it improves such that the upside is all that remains. The ale is well-hopped but not extreme, so I struggle with the 'D' aspect of the DIPA.

D: The 9% price tag and medicinal aspect mid-sip (especially early) conspire to reduce the drinkability. Part of me, okay most of me, misses the original Homegrown IPA.

This years version of Elk Creek's homegrown wet hop brew. 2009's version ramped things up to a 9% DIPA.

A-Golden copper with a thin off-white head that reduced to a wispy veil and left decent lace.

S-Citrus hop pop nicely balanced by a well supporting sweet biscuit malt. Touch of spiciness in the background.

T-Hop forward with a spicy citrus bite and a supporting sweet biscuit malt body that gives balance but does not overwhelm. Drying, peppery finish.

M-Medium-light bodied, somewhat similar to Pliny with the light malt body and forward hop presence. Sharp and crisp with lots of lingering bitterness.

D-Hell yeah! Last years version smelled like "homegrown" while this years version is more refined and ramps things up! Really nice, drinkable, hop forward brew. Well done Tim!