High Strung Hippy
Fat Head's Brewery & Saloon

 

 

Draft offering at Fathead's in Pittsburgh served in a snifter. During my visit, both Hippy Sippy and this High Strung version were on tap. It was peculiar to see that the espresso version had a higher alcohol content than the normal version. I consumed the base version first and then moved on to this one. The brew appeared black in color with a dark tan head. A penline of lace held around the glass throughout the duration.

The aroma is seemingly dominated by straight freshy roasty coffee and plenty of earthen aspects coming from both the roast of the malt and the accenting coffee. Some light citris noted are also present. As it warms up, a bit of fruity character emerges like raison and molasses.

The flavor has an initial sweetness almost like vanilla before blending into the roasty bitterness. It is earthen with plenty of coffee notes that far exceed the base version. The aftertaste has a faint dry chocolate note before the onset of fruity alcohol flavors like raisin and molasses.

This is a medium bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. A big sipper that features a dominating amount of coffee and booze but still maintains the integrity of the base beer it is derived from. Worth checking out if you have the chance.