Herkules IPA
Haymarket Beer Co. Pub & Brewery

 

 

 

This is an excellent IPA if possessing a somewhat unusual character. I had it on tap at Haymarket.

Pale golden amber, a bit hazy, it had a medium off-white head slowly shrinking to a foamy ring and wisps, leaving hint of lace.

Aroma is fairly good but not great and a bit odd - passionfruit, brussels sprouts, wet fields.

Taste has similar unusual qualities, but is much better, full-bodied, balanced and well-rounded. It has an unusual vegetable-herb quality that dominates with some fruit and yeasty dough. It's balanced and zesty. Unfortunately, I find it hard to describe and this description does not do it justice. I was not expecting much based on the aroma, but drinking it was wonderful and it went very well with food.

 

On-tap at Haymarket. Served in a 5oz taster glass.

A - White foam settles to a thin, wispy cap, thick collar, and small specks of lace. Lightly hazed golden body.

S - Earthy, herbal, and dank hops, with some overripe mango and catty notes as well. It kind of reminds me of a German version of Simcoe in the mix of flavors. Lightly sweet and largely bready malt backbone.

T - There's a bit more malt presence here, with stronger tropical fruits and the earthy and herbal bitterness receding into the finish. A bit of grapefruit rind rounds things out as well.

M - Zesty carbonation, medium body, super dry texture, with an oily and resinous finish. No perceptible alcohol, nor would one expect any at only 5%.

D - Interesting beer. Perhaps a tad too bitter and resinous for large quantities, but neat to try. Curious if this is a newer German hop varietal or merely an unconventional use of an older one, but I'd like to try more beers like this.