Exponential Hoppiness | Alpine Beer Company
Brewed by:
Alpine Beer Company
California, United States | website
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
This Hop Monster uses multiple kettle hop additions with the technique of doubling the hop amount each addition (exponentially). Add in the hop back and the continuous dry hopping and your starting to get the picture. The beer is finished off with a "body-bag" sized hop-bag full of hop cones and oak chips. There it ages and mellows, disguising the alcohol content for a double strong, incredibly hoppy, yet drinkable beer.
Added by xlperro on 12-08-2003
Reviews: 397 | Ratings: 1,288
4.58/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22 ounce bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Orange/copper hue.
Smell - Dankity dank dank.
Taste - Pine, booze and sweet malt.
Mouthfeel - Medium attenuation.
Overall - Very tasty Triple IPA.
(A)
★ 208 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22 ounce bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Orange/copper hue.
Smell - Dankity dank dank.
Taste - Pine, booze and sweet malt.
Mouthfeel - Medium attenuation.
Overall - Very tasty Triple IPA.
(A)
★ 208 characters
4.05/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Great thanks to Rohan for this.
Pours a lightish mango. Ample frothy white head and good lacing.
Nose is first off a burst of bright indistinct hops and oakiness. The oak and hops seem to support each other in mutually emphasising their sharpness. There's also lots of tropical fruit here and a kind of yeasty bready quality which hints at the booze but never gets overtly boozy.
Taste is more of the tropical hops backed up by a fair bit of that breadiness and some burn. I'd be lying if I said you couldn't taste the alcohol- in an 11% DIPA it's going to be a part of the flavour but in this case it's well integrated.
Mouthfeel is substantial with a fair bit of bitterness.
With the 11% ABV and the oak chips this was always going to be straddling styles between a DIPA and a barleywine. I feel this beer is a little bit of a jack of all trades but it does all its elements well enough to work. And even though it's 11%, it's honestly less boozy than quite a few local DIPAs I've had at around 8%.
★ 1,005 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Great thanks to Rohan for this.
Pours a lightish mango. Ample frothy white head and good lacing.
Nose is first off a burst of bright indistinct hops and oakiness. The oak and hops seem to support each other in mutually emphasising their sharpness. There's also lots of tropical fruit here and a kind of yeasty bready quality which hints at the booze but never gets overtly boozy.
Taste is more of the tropical hops backed up by a fair bit of that breadiness and some burn. I'd be lying if I said you couldn't taste the alcohol- in an 11% DIPA it's going to be a part of the flavour but in this case it's well integrated.
Mouthfeel is substantial with a fair bit of bitterness.
With the 11% ABV and the oak chips this was always going to be straddling styles between a DIPA and a barleywine. I feel this beer is a little bit of a jack of all trades but it does all its elements well enough to work. And even though it's 11%, it's honestly less boozy than quite a few local DIPAs I've had at around 8%.
★ 1,005 characters
4.85/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The color on the most recent offering seems to be a little lighter than previous releases. More of a typical IPA coloring than the deeper amber/orange cast to previous samplings. I'm fortunate enough to have had this fresh from the brewery on many occasions, and it never disappoints. Big malty nose, which you'd expect with that ABV, but so well balanced by the truck load of hops that that it's amazingly sippable for an 11%+ Imperial. I've had most of the big names...Both Plinys, Heady Topper, etc, and this is my choice for best Imperial style IPA. It is good to live in Beer Mecca!
★ 588 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
The color on the most recent offering seems to be a little lighter than previous releases. More of a typical IPA coloring than the deeper amber/orange cast to previous samplings. I'm fortunate enough to have had this fresh from the brewery on many occasions, and it never disappoints. Big malty nose, which you'd expect with that ABV, but so well balanced by the truck load of hops that that it's amazingly sippable for an 11%+ Imperial. I've had most of the big names...Both Plinys, Heady Topper, etc, and this is my choice for best Imperial style IPA. It is good to live in Beer Mecca!
★ 588 characters
4.96/5 rDev +13%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Very lucky to live only about an hour away, I am blessed to be able to head down for most releases of this beer. Some waited in line for hours, I was lucky enough to get 2 bottles out of the last case this week. Line was out the door and around the corner. I of course drank a few from the tap while I was there, because it is one of my favorites of all time. Well worth the wait. If you havnt had this beer, I would certainly make it a priority. at 11% it goes straight to the head perfectly. By far my favorite triple of all time along with Pliny the Younger. No doubt a world class beer. EXPO FOREVER. Hit me up for trades.
★ 626 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Very lucky to live only about an hour away, I am blessed to be able to head down for most releases of this beer. Some waited in line for hours, I was lucky enough to get 2 bottles out of the last case this week. Line was out the door and around the corner. I of course drank a few from the tap while I was there, because it is one of my favorites of all time. Well worth the wait. If you havnt had this beer, I would certainly make it a priority. at 11% it goes straight to the head perfectly. By far my favorite triple of all time along with Pliny the Younger. No doubt a world class beer. EXPO FOREVER. Hit me up for trades.
★ 626 characters
4.94/5 rDev +12.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Unique! Had on tap at Alpine on release day, then again from a bottle on the same day.
Can say, of the 150+ odd IPA-style beers (single, double, triple, and otherwise) I tasted in 2015, Expo is the best.
The appearance is bright orange with a fine, 3 finger head. Smells like fresh biscuits and orange marmalade, plus honey and hints of oak. Taste is all hops. Glorious, wonderful hops. If you love hops, odds are you'll love Expo. Friends of mine claimed that the oak was very noticeable, I felt that it was a nice background to the overall palette of the beer. The finish is super duper clean even as it strips your tastebuds of any and all ability to ever enjoy a Heineken ever again in your natural lifetime. I have one last bottle burning a hole in my fridge... might be calling my name soon.
★ 802 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Unique! Had on tap at Alpine on release day, then again from a bottle on the same day.
Can say, of the 150+ odd IPA-style beers (single, double, triple, and otherwise) I tasted in 2015, Expo is the best.
The appearance is bright orange with a fine, 3 finger head. Smells like fresh biscuits and orange marmalade, plus honey and hints of oak. Taste is all hops. Glorious, wonderful hops. If you love hops, odds are you'll love Expo. Friends of mine claimed that the oak was very noticeable, I felt that it was a nice background to the overall palette of the beer. The finish is super duper clean even as it strips your tastebuds of any and all ability to ever enjoy a Heineken ever again in your natural lifetime. I have one last bottle burning a hole in my fridge... might be calling my name soon.
★ 802 characters
4.49/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Expo is the easiest drinking double ipa, and ipa for that matter, although very different from when I last remember drinking it. I got straight up honey melon from this bottle and not a ton else, which is odd because I remember mostly citrus notes from the last time I had this beer. Needless to say, this was the smoothest ipa I have ever had, with maybe dinner as an exception. The honey melon flavor works very well but I can't help thinking my bottle was different somehow since I didn't get the grapefruit, orange, or pine notes that I previously remembered and that other reviewers have mentioned about the beer.
★ 618 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Expo is the easiest drinking double ipa, and ipa for that matter, although very different from when I last remember drinking it. I got straight up honey melon from this bottle and not a ton else, which is odd because I remember mostly citrus notes from the last time I had this beer. Needless to say, this was the smoothest ipa I have ever had, with maybe dinner as an exception. The honey melon flavor works very well but I can't help thinking my bottle was different somehow since I didn't get the grapefruit, orange, or pine notes that I previously remembered and that other reviewers have mentioned about the beer.
★ 618 characters
4.54/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Beer review #1000
22oz bottle poured into an oversized wine glass
A- pours a bright golden orange color with a two-finger creamy white head that retains long after the pour, leaving some lacing behind, some resin floating at the bottom
S- resinous hop aroma with citrus notes of grapefruit, orange zest & lemon peel leading the way. Underlying notes of pine, floral hop & honey. Faint underlying malt lets the hops shine
T- citrus and tropical hop flavors lead the way with notes of grapefruit juice, orange zest, mango, passionfruit & fresh mint leaves. Underlying notes of pine and floral hops, lightly sweet malt. There’s a fruity linger of wild grape and more mint
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a creamy finish, exceptional drinkability for the ABV
O- such an easy drinking DIPA that allows the hops to shine, while remaining remarkably drinkable, world class
★ 927 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Beer review #1000
22oz bottle poured into an oversized wine glass
A- pours a bright golden orange color with a two-finger creamy white head that retains long after the pour, leaving some lacing behind, some resin floating at the bottom
S- resinous hop aroma with citrus notes of grapefruit, orange zest & lemon peel leading the way. Underlying notes of pine, floral hop & honey. Faint underlying malt lets the hops shine
T- citrus and tropical hop flavors lead the way with notes of grapefruit juice, orange zest, mango, passionfruit & fresh mint leaves. Underlying notes of pine and floral hops, lightly sweet malt. There’s a fruity linger of wild grape and more mint
M- medium body and carbonation leads to a foamy mouthfeel that continues into a creamy finish, exceptional drinkability for the ABV
O- such an easy drinking DIPA that allows the hops to shine, while remaining remarkably drinkable, world class
★ 927 characters
4.42/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
another great hoppy beer from alpine. booze hidden really well. with that said, i was expecting this to be a little better. i wasnt punched in the face with hops like i thought i would be...not that i wanted an unbalanced beer, but rather a bit less thin.
★ 258 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
another great hoppy beer from alpine. booze hidden really well. with that said, i was expecting this to be a little better. i wasnt punched in the face with hops like i thought i would be...not that i wanted an unbalanced beer, but rather a bit less thin.
★ 258 characters
3.93/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
thought this was going to be amazing from everything I was hearing. looks very clean, just doesn't finish as crisp as I would like it. very bitter. I guess I may be spoiled due to Scream IIPA.
★ 192 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
thought this was going to be amazing from everything I was hearing. looks very clean, just doesn't finish as crisp as I would like it. very bitter. I guess I may be spoiled due to Scream IIPA.
★ 192 characters
3.98/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
650ml bottle. Served in a teku glass 3/9/2015.
A- Hazy copper body, two finger white head (in the teku) with nice lacing, medium collar that sticks around for a while. Swirling the glass brings the head back quite easily as well.
S- Actually don't smell much. I expected much more from a hoppy triple IPA, however it smelled very dull and boring next to a glass of Alpine Nelson. As it warms up, I get more of a sugary caramel sweetness, with a bit of grapefruit juice, passion fruit and bitter pine. But for the most part, a pretty average nose especially for a triple IPA.
F- Very sweet, sugary and caramel forward, with a bit of tropical fruit, passion fruit, citrus and pineapple kicking in. It actually tastes pretty good, but for all of the hoopla behind this beer, it was fairly disappointing. Again, the bottle of Nelson I opened up with this far outstripped the drinking experience on this beer.
M- Thick-medium body, not quite syrupy, but just about right for a triple IPA. Slick, resinous, easy to drink, not boozy at all. Probably the best characteristic behind this beer.
O- Solid triple IPA, but this comes nowhere close to Hill Farmstead Ephraim, which I consider the benchmark for triple IPAs (not having had Pliny the Younger). Sweet and tasty, but not particularly complex or as interesting as the aforementioned beers.
★ 1,342 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
650ml bottle. Served in a teku glass 3/9/2015.
A- Hazy copper body, two finger white head (in the teku) with nice lacing, medium collar that sticks around for a while. Swirling the glass brings the head back quite easily as well.
S- Actually don't smell much. I expected much more from a hoppy triple IPA, however it smelled very dull and boring next to a glass of Alpine Nelson. As it warms up, I get more of a sugary caramel sweetness, with a bit of grapefruit juice, passion fruit and bitter pine. But for the most part, a pretty average nose especially for a triple IPA.
F- Very sweet, sugary and caramel forward, with a bit of tropical fruit, passion fruit, citrus and pineapple kicking in. It actually tastes pretty good, but for all of the hoopla behind this beer, it was fairly disappointing. Again, the bottle of Nelson I opened up with this far outstripped the drinking experience on this beer.
M- Thick-medium body, not quite syrupy, but just about right for a triple IPA. Slick, resinous, easy to drink, not boozy at all. Probably the best characteristic behind this beer.
O- Solid triple IPA, but this comes nowhere close to Hill Farmstead Ephraim, which I consider the benchmark for triple IPAs (not having had Pliny the Younger). Sweet and tasty, but not particularly complex or as interesting as the aforementioned beers.
★ 1,342 characters
4.72/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
10/11/2014 - Alpine Beer Company - Exponential Hoppiness - Poured into a Dogfish Head Spiegelau glass - Acquired at Pizza Port Bottle Shop during an Alpine Tap Takeover
A - Deep gold, almost red color with a thin white head. White floaties sink to the bottom of my glass but didn't seem to want to form a yeast cake in the bottle, so I'm just going to write it off as it is hop particles. Just a few though, nothing to get upset about. I've had plinys with way more floaties.
S - Wonderfully complex aroma. Peach, grapefruit, hint of spice, apple, pear, smells like fruit hard candy.
T - I love the taste of this IPA. Extremely well balanced for a triple IPA. Comes through with a bready sweetness, followed by an assault of hop, and just a tinge of heat from alcohol. Definitely tastes like it contains 7%. Earthy, floral, fruity and sweet! Warms your chest once you swallow but the lingering flavor distracts from the burn.
M - Delightful! Not too thick or creamy, medium/heavy body. Adequate carbonation, I feel it is a little high in the beginning but mellows out as it starts to warm up. Let this beer warm up.
O - I love this IPA. In my opinion, it really isn't worth seeking out or trading your stash. The last release I stood in line for hours for 2, and thought it wasn't worth it then. Alpine has so many amazing IPA's, I would only track this one down if you're an extreme hop head. Otherwise, it is good all around, good for getting others more buzzed than expected. Still a top 5 IPA for me, but it's rarity/demand almost works against it. I love that they add oak.
★ 1,579 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
10/11/2014 - Alpine Beer Company - Exponential Hoppiness - Poured into a Dogfish Head Spiegelau glass - Acquired at Pizza Port Bottle Shop during an Alpine Tap Takeover
A - Deep gold, almost red color with a thin white head. White floaties sink to the bottom of my glass but didn't seem to want to form a yeast cake in the bottle, so I'm just going to write it off as it is hop particles. Just a few though, nothing to get upset about. I've had plinys with way more floaties.
S - Wonderfully complex aroma. Peach, grapefruit, hint of spice, apple, pear, smells like fruit hard candy.
T - I love the taste of this IPA. Extremely well balanced for a triple IPA. Comes through with a bready sweetness, followed by an assault of hop, and just a tinge of heat from alcohol. Definitely tastes like it contains 7%. Earthy, floral, fruity and sweet! Warms your chest once you swallow but the lingering flavor distracts from the burn.
M - Delightful! Not too thick or creamy, medium/heavy body. Adequate carbonation, I feel it is a little high in the beginning but mellows out as it starts to warm up. Let this beer warm up.
O - I love this IPA. In my opinion, it really isn't worth seeking out or trading your stash. The last release I stood in line for hours for 2, and thought it wasn't worth it then. Alpine has so many amazing IPA's, I would only track this one down if you're an extreme hop head. Otherwise, it is good all around, good for getting others more buzzed than expected. Still a top 5 IPA for me, but it's rarity/demand almost works against it. I love that they add oak.
★ 1,579 characters
4.23/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Slighty hazy golden-amber brew, just enough to keep it from being completely transparent. Big off-white head with nice retention, leaving tons of lacing.
Big, complex hoppy aroma, with ruby red grapefruit, lemon, pine, resin, and starfruit. Just a hint of malt aroma.
Intensely sweet and juicy flavor, focusing on tropical hops: pineapple, peach, and a bit of pine and citrus. Syrupy sweet malt body, more pale than caramel.
Undeniable booze presence. Very lively, sticky, syrupy, and boozy.
A super hoppy, big, and bold triple IPA. Reminds me quite a bit of Sixpoint's Hi-Res. This is a hair smoother, coming across less as pure hop juice and more as an enormous IPA.
★ 673 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Slighty hazy golden-amber brew, just enough to keep it from being completely transparent. Big off-white head with nice retention, leaving tons of lacing.
Big, complex hoppy aroma, with ruby red grapefruit, lemon, pine, resin, and starfruit. Just a hint of malt aroma.
Intensely sweet and juicy flavor, focusing on tropical hops: pineapple, peach, and a bit of pine and citrus. Syrupy sweet malt body, more pale than caramel.
Undeniable booze presence. Very lively, sticky, syrupy, and boozy.
A super hoppy, big, and bold triple IPA. Reminds me quite a bit of Sixpoint's Hi-Res. This is a hair smoother, coming across less as pure hop juice and more as an enormous IPA.
★ 673 characters
4.38/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Type: 22-oz. bottle
Glass: Modern Times pint glass
From: Alpine Beer Company in Alpine, Calif.
Price: $11.99 (+$2.30 for Brown Bag Tickets)
Purchased: Sept. 9, 2014 (picked up on Sept. 27, 2014)
Consumed: Sept. 28, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a caramel, honey, murky color with three fingers of khaki cream rocky head. Lots of various streams of bubbles coming up from the bottom. Great layered lacing along the sides of the glass. Excellent retention on the top all the way down. (Sight - 4.25)
Smelled hops galore - Citra, spicy Simcoe, floral, grapefruit, tropical, mango, grapefruit rind, resin, faint Cascade and caramel. Some spicy bitterness late, but didn’t taste anywhere near 11 percent ABV. (Smell - 4.25)
Wow to the taste. Pretty damn smooth for 11 percent ABV was my first thought. Not as potent as the smell. Citra, floral, light resin, bitter grapefruit, tropical, mango, light pineapple (wishful?), Columbus and light Cascade. (Taste - 4.50)
Medium body. Creamy-to-oily texture. Average carbonation. Long, bitter, but still smooth finish. Warming late. The 11 percent ABV is very well-hidden. This was the best part of the beer. (Feel - 4.50)
A pretty damn good beer. Probably didn’t quite live up to my hype, but glad I have another after this. (Overall - 4.25)
4.38 | 97 | A
★ 1,299 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Type: 22-oz. bottle
Glass: Modern Times pint glass
From: Alpine Beer Company in Alpine, Calif.
Price: $11.99 (+$2.30 for Brown Bag Tickets)
Purchased: Sept. 9, 2014 (picked up on Sept. 27, 2014)
Consumed: Sept. 28, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a caramel, honey, murky color with three fingers of khaki cream rocky head. Lots of various streams of bubbles coming up from the bottom. Great layered lacing along the sides of the glass. Excellent retention on the top all the way down. (Sight - 4.25)
Smelled hops galore - Citra, spicy Simcoe, floral, grapefruit, tropical, mango, grapefruit rind, resin, faint Cascade and caramel. Some spicy bitterness late, but didn’t taste anywhere near 11 percent ABV. (Smell - 4.25)
Wow to the taste. Pretty damn smooth for 11 percent ABV was my first thought. Not as potent as the smell. Citra, floral, light resin, bitter grapefruit, tropical, mango, light pineapple (wishful?), Columbus and light Cascade. (Taste - 4.50)
Medium body. Creamy-to-oily texture. Average carbonation. Long, bitter, but still smooth finish. Warming late. The 11 percent ABV is very well-hidden. This was the best part of the beer. (Feel - 4.50)
A pretty damn good beer. Probably didn’t quite live up to my hype, but glad I have another after this. (Overall - 4.25)
4.38 | 97 | A
★ 1,299 characters
4.9/5 rDev +11.6%
Incredibly aromatic with loads of dank ripe lighter-fruit astringency - peach and apricot, musty peach. Clean crisp fresh pine, some sweet grapefruit. The oak seems to balance out the sweetness and booziness - get a little graham cracker and vanilla in a addition to the biscuity malt.
A hop assault but not overly bitter, very smooth, long strong finish
Very impressive beer - one of the best IPAs I've come across.
★ 422 characters
Incredibly aromatic with loads of dank ripe lighter-fruit astringency - peach and apricot, musty peach. Clean crisp fresh pine, some sweet grapefruit. The oak seems to balance out the sweetness and booziness - get a little graham cracker and vanilla in a addition to the biscuity malt.
A hop assault but not overly bitter, very smooth, long strong finish
Very impressive beer - one of the best IPAs I've come across.
★ 422 characters
4.02/5 rDev -8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a clear golden orange with a slight white head that fades quickly. Good lacing. Strong scents of grapefruit on the nose with hints of malt. Powerful hop bitterness throughout the palate with strong notes of malt. Medium bodied with light carbonation creating a creamy mouthfeel. Finishes bitter. Overall, this is definitely a well crafted and balanced DIPA, just a little to malty for my taste.
★ 400 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Pours a clear golden orange with a slight white head that fades quickly. Good lacing. Strong scents of grapefruit on the nose with hints of malt. Powerful hop bitterness throughout the palate with strong notes of malt. Medium bodied with light carbonation creating a creamy mouthfeel. Finishes bitter. Overall, this is definitely a well crafted and balanced DIPA, just a little to malty for my taste.
★ 400 characters
4.39/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bomber poured into Spiegelau glass. Big want of mine for a while, glad to finally get my hands on one!
A: Pours a dark golden color with a rich copper tone. A little over 2 fingers of white head that reduces slowly and leaves a lot of lacing. Very good looking beer.
S: If a grapefruit were to procreate with a bag of hops, it's offspring would smell like this beer.
T: This beer is super sweet, with a lot of citrus flavor. Outside of the feel good after the bottle is empty, not sure I'd believe this is 11%. Even with a huge amount of citrus, there is just enough floral and pine flavors to compliment nicely. The maltiness is pretty well covered up. Well done!
M: Carbed well, leaves a pretty dry after taste.
O: Very grateful to try this beer. It is like nothing else that I have tried to date. That said, it's my 2nd favorite Triple IPA behind only Notorious by Boneyard. I am a believer in rating compared to the best of the best within styles. All the components are there to make this a great beer, which it is, but where it comes short is in the potency. The aroma is awesome, but doesn't hit you in the face like Notorious. The flavor is awesome, but a little too 1 sided to say there's great balance. Alpine knows what they are doing with hops, and they do it so well there's no wonder people are always seeking them out. Exponential Hoppiness will not disappoint anyone who reaches for it.
★ 1,406 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bomber poured into Spiegelau glass. Big want of mine for a while, glad to finally get my hands on one!
A: Pours a dark golden color with a rich copper tone. A little over 2 fingers of white head that reduces slowly and leaves a lot of lacing. Very good looking beer.
S: If a grapefruit were to procreate with a bag of hops, it's offspring would smell like this beer.
T: This beer is super sweet, with a lot of citrus flavor. Outside of the feel good after the bottle is empty, not sure I'd believe this is 11%. Even with a huge amount of citrus, there is just enough floral and pine flavors to compliment nicely. The maltiness is pretty well covered up. Well done!
M: Carbed well, leaves a pretty dry after taste.
O: Very grateful to try this beer. It is like nothing else that I have tried to date. That said, it's my 2nd favorite Triple IPA behind only Notorious by Boneyard. I am a believer in rating compared to the best of the best within styles. All the components are there to make this a great beer, which it is, but where it comes short is in the potency. The aroma is awesome, but doesn't hit you in the face like Notorious. The flavor is awesome, but a little too 1 sided to say there's great balance. Alpine knows what they are doing with hops, and they do it so well there's no wonder people are always seeking them out. Exponential Hoppiness will not disappoint anyone who reaches for it.
★ 1,406 characters
4.76/5 rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured into stemmed beer glass. This may be the only Alpine IPA I haven't had. Super pumped to say I've had them all. Alpine does no harm. Let's see if this holds true with this...
Pours amber, hazy, with a one finger cream colored head. Hop gunk all up in this. I wonder if this was a fail or it's always like this? Either way, let's see how the gritty stuff feels inside the mouth!
Aroma is crazy good. Alpine in style yet with an eccentric twist. You get green chronic, spiced orange, tamarind, fresh cut oak, pineapple, sweet pipe tobacco, cumin, white pepper, pine, Turkish apricot, and all sorts of citrus peel.
On the palate you get hammered with dank, citrus, spicy hops. Biscuit and toffee malt character make a strong presence. Oak, peated cherry wood, lightly sweet peach marmalade, tamarind, faint cinnamon, old clove, and an array of other spices make this one of the most damned complex DIPA's (they call it a triple IPA) I have had. At 11 percent abv, this drinks smoother than that Starbucks double cream latte you have each morning. Damn smooth, drinking this way too fast. I can't imagine how Pliny the Younger can be better than this.
Mouthfeel is legit. Medium body, creamy, bitter over sweet but not overly bitter or sweet for as big as this is. Hop gunk settles to the bottom of the glass so not until you are finishing you're pour do you get some in your mouth. Doesn't spoil the beer one bit as you can simply avoid the last drink or two.
Overall, I'm amazed at the wizardry beheld by Alpine in crafting their IPA's. Such a vast range of world class offerings. They are the IPA kings, end of discussion. Expo is insanely good, try it.
★ 1,664 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Poured into stemmed beer glass. This may be the only Alpine IPA I haven't had. Super pumped to say I've had them all. Alpine does no harm. Let's see if this holds true with this...
Pours amber, hazy, with a one finger cream colored head. Hop gunk all up in this. I wonder if this was a fail or it's always like this? Either way, let's see how the gritty stuff feels inside the mouth!
Aroma is crazy good. Alpine in style yet with an eccentric twist. You get green chronic, spiced orange, tamarind, fresh cut oak, pineapple, sweet pipe tobacco, cumin, white pepper, pine, Turkish apricot, and all sorts of citrus peel.
On the palate you get hammered with dank, citrus, spicy hops. Biscuit and toffee malt character make a strong presence. Oak, peated cherry wood, lightly sweet peach marmalade, tamarind, faint cinnamon, old clove, and an array of other spices make this one of the most damned complex DIPA's (they call it a triple IPA) I have had. At 11 percent abv, this drinks smoother than that Starbucks double cream latte you have each morning. Damn smooth, drinking this way too fast. I can't imagine how Pliny the Younger can be better than this.
Mouthfeel is legit. Medium body, creamy, bitter over sweet but not overly bitter or sweet for as big as this is. Hop gunk settles to the bottom of the glass so not until you are finishing you're pour do you get some in your mouth. Doesn't spoil the beer one bit as you can simply avoid the last drink or two.
Overall, I'm amazed at the wizardry beheld by Alpine in crafting their IPA's. Such a vast range of world class offerings. They are the IPA kings, end of discussion. Expo is insanely good, try it.
★ 1,664 characters
4.48/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
The beer comes in an amber orange color.
The aroma is just huge. There's tons of aggressive juicy orange and grapefruit. There's a bit of West Coast pine, but just tons and tons of hops.
The beer is so hoppy and smooth. The beer just rolls and rolls on hops. It's quite bitter with juicy grapefruit and orange along with a big caramel bready malt backbone. A bit of alcohol in there.
There's a hint of that oak on the finish that really makes the beer a bit different. I sensed it at first and couldn't exactly pin point the flavor. It gives the beer another level of flavors along with that bittering on the end.
Of the line of Alpine's beers, this does something quite different being a larger ABV. I prefer the more refreshing smaller beers. This has a malt backbone that is a bit too big (along with alcohol) and not my preference.
★ 841 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
The beer comes in an amber orange color.
The aroma is just huge. There's tons of aggressive juicy orange and grapefruit. There's a bit of West Coast pine, but just tons and tons of hops.
The beer is so hoppy and smooth. The beer just rolls and rolls on hops. It's quite bitter with juicy grapefruit and orange along with a big caramel bready malt backbone. A bit of alcohol in there.
There's a hint of that oak on the finish that really makes the beer a bit different. I sensed it at first and couldn't exactly pin point the flavor. It gives the beer another level of flavors along with that bittering on the end.
Of the line of Alpine's beers, this does something quite different being a larger ABV. I prefer the more refreshing smaller beers. This has a malt backbone that is a bit too big (along with alcohol) and not my preference.
★ 841 characters
4.19/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Fresh bomber from a generous trader. Pours a slightly hazy light bronze with a small white head. Bubbles flying up from the bottom. A big floral bouquet with tangerines, grapefruits, orange peel, toffee, biscuit, some alcohol, and a slight hint of oak. Bitter slam up front with a combination of grapefruit juice, orange zest, a hint of caramelly malts, oak, and more big bitter on the dry finish. Medium mouthfeel, high carbonation. You can't tell there is alcohol warmth here but it is very light on the palate for such a big hitter. The oak is a nice touch here and does not overpower. Perhaps the driest and most bitter IPA I have tried, up there with Heady and Crooked Tree. Really good beer and very glad I got the chance to try it.
★ 738 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Fresh bomber from a generous trader. Pours a slightly hazy light bronze with a small white head. Bubbles flying up from the bottom. A big floral bouquet with tangerines, grapefruits, orange peel, toffee, biscuit, some alcohol, and a slight hint of oak. Bitter slam up front with a combination of grapefruit juice, orange zest, a hint of caramelly malts, oak, and more big bitter on the dry finish. Medium mouthfeel, high carbonation. You can't tell there is alcohol warmth here but it is very light on the palate for such a big hitter. The oak is a nice touch here and does not overpower. Perhaps the driest and most bitter IPA I have tried, up there with Heady and Crooked Tree. Really good beer and very glad I got the chance to try it.
★ 738 characters
5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I was lucky to try this for the first time the day after the release on 9-18-13, and they still had some bottles left, along with being available at the brewpub. I got a glass at the brewpub, and was blow away and ended up ordering 6 more! That's right, 6 more. All I can say is bliss. This is the best damn IPA (triple IPA) I have had in my life. Being in San Diego, and having a lot of great stuff around, that is saying a lot.
Smell is sweet, fruity and crisp. Pours with a decent amount of bubbles and head. Taste absolutely amazing, smooth, not too hoppy, and floral sweetness. Hides the high abv (11%) amazing well and that's why this one is so special. Absolutely delicious. I would do anything to seek this out.. even worth trading a Dark Lord to get your hands on it!
★ 777 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I was lucky to try this for the first time the day after the release on 9-18-13, and they still had some bottles left, along with being available at the brewpub. I got a glass at the brewpub, and was blow away and ended up ordering 6 more! That's right, 6 more. All I can say is bliss. This is the best damn IPA (triple IPA) I have had in my life. Being in San Diego, and having a lot of great stuff around, that is saying a lot.
Smell is sweet, fruity and crisp. Pours with a decent amount of bubbles and head. Taste absolutely amazing, smooth, not too hoppy, and floral sweetness. Hides the high abv (11%) amazing well and that's why this one is so special. Absolutely delicious. I would do anything to seek this out.. even worth trading a Dark Lord to get your hands on it!
★ 777 characters
5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On tap at the honey hole itself - Alpine Beer Company, Alpine, CA.
You know that scene in "Office Space" where that one dude is asked what he would do if he had a million dollars and he replied, "two girls at the same time"? Yeah... Exponential Hoppiness is that - Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio at Raul's house, in Raul's spa - perfection. This thing is just lush, creamy, juicy perfection.
★ 398 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On tap at the honey hole itself - Alpine Beer Company, Alpine, CA.
You know that scene in "Office Space" where that one dude is asked what he would do if he had a million dollars and he replied, "two girls at the same time"? Yeah... Exponential Hoppiness is that - Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio at Raul's house, in Raul's spa - perfection. This thing is just lush, creamy, juicy perfection.
★ 398 characters
4.48/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
64oz Growler
I have the opportunity to sample this tap only selection thanks to the generosity of srandycarter, thanks Randy! I was a big fan of the little brother, Pure Hoppiness, and I've been looking forward to this one. Exponential Hoppiness chugs from the growler the purest of gold with a crystal clear body and copper highlights. I'm surprised at the clarity of this beer. The carbonation is slack and barely detectable but what's there swirls slowly to the surface. The pour was on the aggressive side but leads to a quality two finger head of clean white density. As the head slowly recedes and I take drink after drink incredible skyline like lacing is left behind. This is a great looking brew.
The aroma on this beer is incredibly unique and, although it's been a little while since my last bottle, seems to be in the vein of Burton Baton. The oak chip additions add an incredibly deep complexity to this beer that I never see. Overall the aroma of this IIPA seems very balanced with mild caramel and sweet biscuity aromas mingling with the subtle citric hoppiness. All the exponential hop additions add a slightly sweet orange oil nose to the already layed out maltiness. The oak chips add a touch of woodiness (oak obviously) but more importantly a vegetal aroma that I'm actually fond of. I'm not usually fond of the vegetal aromas in my beer but this is reminiscent of celery seed and I find it very inviting. It is mild so don't be scared away. Again, the aroma is incredibly unique and the only other similar smells, I've come across, come from Burton Baton.
The flavor has all the unique and delicious qualities of the aroma. There is a good amount of sweetness which I usually don't appreciate in my IIPAs but with the different qualities at work here it fits nicely. The sweetness is a mix of both the orange oil type hoppiness and the caramel/sweet biscuity like sweetness. I'm surprised that the huge amount of hops thrown into this beer has such a mellow effect on the flavor. This may be confusing but the oak chips play a major role without being totally woody. The oak is there in small amounts but just like in the aroma it contributes more of a celery seed vegetal flavor then pure oak. The celery seed finishes things off with the orange oils leaving a decent bitterness behind. Again, very unique flavors and I really enjoy them all.
The carbonation is sluggish on this beer which really helps improve the overall enjoyability. The body leans toward the heavier side of moderate with a surprisingly velvety mouthfeel. After the swallow I'm left with a touch of residual sweetness and a slowly growing bitterness. The bitterness does hold still when it coats the entire drink hole and sticks around moderate.
This IIPA weighs in at a big 10.5% and there is zero noticeable alcohol. As a matter of fact I have a hard time believing it has that much alcohol. Of course after a couple pints I can feel the booze creep up on me. This is one incredibly easy drinking IIPA and may be one of the easiest drinking of the style I've had to date. While it's big as hell it's also so balanced that it goes down incredibly easy. Excuse me for using the same old cliche, I'm really not that creative, but this is dangerously drinkable.
To tell the truth I was expecting a hugely aromatic, hugely bitter IIPA after drinking Pure Hoppiness but what I got was a totally different beast. This beer drinks like it weighs in at 7% and I savor every sip. Have I said this beer was a surprise yet? Oh, that's right, too many times now. It really is though and I would recommend it to anyone. Whatever you do don't expect a big bitter hop bomb because you won't get it. Thanks again for the great beer Randy!
★ 3,723 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
64oz Growler
I have the opportunity to sample this tap only selection thanks to the generosity of srandycarter, thanks Randy! I was a big fan of the little brother, Pure Hoppiness, and I've been looking forward to this one. Exponential Hoppiness chugs from the growler the purest of gold with a crystal clear body and copper highlights. I'm surprised at the clarity of this beer. The carbonation is slack and barely detectable but what's there swirls slowly to the surface. The pour was on the aggressive side but leads to a quality two finger head of clean white density. As the head slowly recedes and I take drink after drink incredible skyline like lacing is left behind. This is a great looking brew.
The aroma on this beer is incredibly unique and, although it's been a little while since my last bottle, seems to be in the vein of Burton Baton. The oak chip additions add an incredibly deep complexity to this beer that I never see. Overall the aroma of this IIPA seems very balanced with mild caramel and sweet biscuity aromas mingling with the subtle citric hoppiness. All the exponential hop additions add a slightly sweet orange oil nose to the already layed out maltiness. The oak chips add a touch of woodiness (oak obviously) but more importantly a vegetal aroma that I'm actually fond of. I'm not usually fond of the vegetal aromas in my beer but this is reminiscent of celery seed and I find it very inviting. It is mild so don't be scared away. Again, the aroma is incredibly unique and the only other similar smells, I've come across, come from Burton Baton.
The flavor has all the unique and delicious qualities of the aroma. There is a good amount of sweetness which I usually don't appreciate in my IIPAs but with the different qualities at work here it fits nicely. The sweetness is a mix of both the orange oil type hoppiness and the caramel/sweet biscuity like sweetness. I'm surprised that the huge amount of hops thrown into this beer has such a mellow effect on the flavor. This may be confusing but the oak chips play a major role without being totally woody. The oak is there in small amounts but just like in the aroma it contributes more of a celery seed vegetal flavor then pure oak. The celery seed finishes things off with the orange oils leaving a decent bitterness behind. Again, very unique flavors and I really enjoy them all.
The carbonation is sluggish on this beer which really helps improve the overall enjoyability. The body leans toward the heavier side of moderate with a surprisingly velvety mouthfeel. After the swallow I'm left with a touch of residual sweetness and a slowly growing bitterness. The bitterness does hold still when it coats the entire drink hole and sticks around moderate.
This IIPA weighs in at a big 10.5% and there is zero noticeable alcohol. As a matter of fact I have a hard time believing it has that much alcohol. Of course after a couple pints I can feel the booze creep up on me. This is one incredibly easy drinking IIPA and may be one of the easiest drinking of the style I've had to date. While it's big as hell it's also so balanced that it goes down incredibly easy. Excuse me for using the same old cliche, I'm really not that creative, but this is dangerously drinkable.
To tell the truth I was expecting a hugely aromatic, hugely bitter IIPA after drinking Pure Hoppiness but what I got was a totally different beast. This beer drinks like it weighs in at 7% and I savor every sip. Have I said this beer was a surprise yet? Oh, that's right, too many times now. It really is though and I would recommend it to anyone. Whatever you do don't expect a big bitter hop bomb because you won't get it. Thanks again for the great beer Randy!
★ 3,723 characters
4.18/5 rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
thank to my cousin Jeff for the bottle, hazy, straw pour, plus sized head. the aroma has juicy pine, citrus, and a hint of oak. Taste like it smells, wonderful amounts of grapefruit. the finish is drying, full body, good carbonation, surprisingly drinkable. a great dipa!
★ 271 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
thank to my cousin Jeff for the bottle, hazy, straw pour, plus sized head. the aroma has juicy pine, citrus, and a hint of oak. Taste like it smells, wonderful amounts of grapefruit. the finish is drying, full body, good carbonation, surprisingly drinkable. a great dipa!
★ 271 characters
4.59/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours a hazy amber orange,brisk carbonation, dense three finger upon an aggressive pour, Navajo white head that last a few minutes before becoming a permanent cap.Lacing is fantastic.
Aroma is a hint boozy but there is so much going on with this IIIPA. Layers of hops and hop flowers and oak on top of a firm malt bill to tame all that bitterness make for an interesting nose, and there is a distinct note of bready caramel sweetness, particularly as it warms.
Taste is that of a piney/citrus hop wallop, notes of tangerine, and thankfully, at least for my taste, the sweet malt apparent in the aroma takes the rumble seat to the hops. The bitterness from the hops and the aggressive dry hopping and addition of hop flowers ride beautifully over the top of the sweetish malts. A touch of booze is overall well hidden, particularly for that of a triple IPA.
Mouthfeel is a bright spot: crisp and relatively dry, a hint of sweetness overshadowed by genuine bitterness that lasts. Sprightly carbonation help dance the flavors across your palate without ever degenerating into a malty mess.
Overall, a well balanced and flavorful Triple IPA that really packs an alcohol wallop at 11% abv. The folks at Alpine have a knack for quality, and Exponential Hoppiness is no exception.
★ 1,277 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours a hazy amber orange,brisk carbonation, dense three finger upon an aggressive pour, Navajo white head that last a few minutes before becoming a permanent cap.Lacing is fantastic.
Aroma is a hint boozy but there is so much going on with this IIIPA. Layers of hops and hop flowers and oak on top of a firm malt bill to tame all that bitterness make for an interesting nose, and there is a distinct note of bready caramel sweetness, particularly as it warms.
Taste is that of a piney/citrus hop wallop, notes of tangerine, and thankfully, at least for my taste, the sweet malt apparent in the aroma takes the rumble seat to the hops. The bitterness from the hops and the aggressive dry hopping and addition of hop flowers ride beautifully over the top of the sweetish malts. A touch of booze is overall well hidden, particularly for that of a triple IPA.
Mouthfeel is a bright spot: crisp and relatively dry, a hint of sweetness overshadowed by genuine bitterness that lasts. Sprightly carbonation help dance the flavors across your palate without ever degenerating into a malty mess.
Overall, a well balanced and flavorful Triple IPA that really packs an alcohol wallop at 11% abv. The folks at Alpine have a knack for quality, and Exponential Hoppiness is no exception.
★ 1,277 characters
Exponential Hoppiness from Alpine Beer Company
4.39
out of 5
based on 1,288 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Ive had the pleasure of having this beer a few times. Great taste. Strong but feels smooth like a single. Awesome west coast hop taste. I love the hop taste this beer gives my taste buds.
★ 192 characters