Hoptaneous Combustion
Terrapin Beer Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Served in a Dogfish Head snifter.

Thanks to Lillie1128 for this bottle!

We need more brewers crazy enough to add smoke to random styles like DIPAs and whatnot, dammit! Trust me. This experiment in proving me right (as if that was even needed here) pours a clear auburn-amber topped by a finger or so of rich cream foam. The nose comprises soft pine needles, mesquite smoke, dry-ish caramel, and a light touch of pineapple flesh. Everything melds so well here, you'd think they were all of one scent (something like that, anyway...). The taste holds notes of sweet/buttery toffee, light mesquite smoke, very light char, spicy greens, and a spar between light maple syrup and light pine resin in the very back that only makes its presence known once everything vacates the area down the throat. The body is a light-leaning medium, with a light moderate carbonation and the lightest possible syrupy feel. Overall, a tasty beverage, indeed, but one that I think loses sight of the smoke when it really needs it: in the taste. I think a thicker, heavier smoke would have popped nicely. While this dearth is noticeable and detrimental, it doesn't detract enough to make this beer anywhere near unpleasant. In other words, good times regardless.