Pond Hopper Double Extra Pale Ale | Odell Brewing Company

4.45/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A collaboration brew between Thornbridge and Odell. Double extra pale ale. Poured from 750 mL bottle into shaker pint glass.
A: Pours a slightly hazy mango hue with high carbonation producing a 2 inch bubbly white head. Good retention and a hint of lacing. Some sediment floating about the glass.
S: Clear and crisp hop notes up front--citrus, mango, and mint. Tropical and refreshing. Hint of British malt in the background.
T: Aggressive hop smack up front...takes a few sips to sort it out. Citrus, mango, melon, some spice, and a hint of pine and mint. The alcohol bite seems to augment the hop notes even further. In the background--but holding its own--are the British malts. I really like use of them in this beer...provides some degree of balance in a clean and uncomplicated manner thereby allowing the hops to continue to shine.
M: Soft and creamy to start. Quickly turns toward a shot of bubbly effervescence that bursts across the palate. Then turns spicy and moderately bitter. Dry and mildly malt-sweet finish. Light-medium body...drinks a bit lighter than the ABV. Very nice.
D: The definition of drinkability. Nicely complex and interesting with a moderate alcohol kick. Wonderfully refreshing. An excellent spring/summer beer. Perfect for picnics, drinking on its own or pairing with grilled food. I'm glad I got a chance to try this solid brew. Seek it out!

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