Hop Test #1 (Lemon Mint IPA)
Al's of Hampden / Pizza Boy Brewing

 

 

 

Thanks Kirb for sharing this with me. Growler poured into a spiegelau ipa glass. The brew pours a clear copper color with finger of soapy white head that fades back leaving spotty frothing of lace.

The aroma is clearly filled with a minty essence. It doesnt scream lemon at all compared to the herbal aspect. There is an underlying fruity hop and alcohol element but it pales in comparison to how much mint is present.

The flavor is quite strong with sun tea. Slightly bitter and minty to herbal with a drying tannic feel. The herbal nature of the tea gives a slight menthol feel almost cooling blending to a subtle herbal hop flavor.

This is super unique. There is no denying the intensity of the mint. I am hard pressed to feel like I am drinking something other than a carbonated version of sun tea. Wow. As an ipa, I dont quite get it but as a mint beer hybrid of sorts it is bar none the most intensely tea-infused beer ive ever had.

 

Served on-tap at Al's of Hampden.

A - Pours murky golden orange with a small half finger tall white head, dissipating down to a light film, leaving small trails of lace on the sides of the glass.

S - Smells of fresh mint, lemon rind, pine needles, fresh grassy hops and some caramel malt sweetness. Not bad, just an odd combo.

T - Very similar to the nose. Lots of mint up front quickly being joined by the lemon, pine, grass and mild caramel malt sweetness. Finish is cooling from the mint and a bit sweet from the malt, not lingering for an extended period of time.

M - Medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth, almost menthol feel from the mint. Probably my favorite part of this one.

O - An interesting experimental IPA. The mint is pretty strong, nearly overpowering all of the other flavors. Nice to try but I probably wouldn't get another.