Bad Boy
Alpine Beer Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- American Imperial IPA
Ranked #13 - ABV:
- 9%
- Score:
- 99
Ranked #171 - Avg:
- 4.52 | pDev: 7.96%
- Reviews:
- 137
- Ratings:
- From:
- Alpine Beer Company
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating
- Wants
- 665
- Gots
- 31
SCORE
99
World-Class
99
World-Class
Notes:
Uses Columbus and Amarillo hops.
Reviews: 137
| Ratings: 595
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3.64/5 rDev -19.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Nearly clear bright yellow brew with a thin cap of foam. Robust mouthfeel with super-sized malt. Aroma is mango. Flavors of dark orange, even some grapes. Rich and powerful with hot citrus.
Quite alcohol tasting. Boozy, as someone noted. Overall, this is a pretty non-nonsense blast of hops. I have never seen this in the San Diego area, and here it is at a supermarket in San Francisco. From the 22 oz bottle.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Nearly clear bright yellow brew with a thin cap of foam. Robust mouthfeel with super-sized malt. Aroma is mango. Flavors of dark orange, even some grapes. Rich and powerful with hot citrus.
Quite alcohol tasting. Boozy, as someone noted. Overall, this is a pretty non-nonsense blast of hops. I have never seen this in the San Diego area, and here it is at a supermarket in San Francisco. From the 22 oz bottle.
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4.29/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On-tap at Chupacabra in Mesa, AZ:
Pours golden with a white head. White lacing sticks.
The smell is of huge tropical and citrus notes with some tangerine and pine that is musty in a good way.
The taste is of tropical and citric fruits, tangerine and a touch of pine. Some solvent alcohol, but overall the alcohol is well-integrated. Nice bitter bite in the finish.
Smooth - not too hot despite some noticeable alcohol (as expected for abv level).
A very enjoyable hop-forward imperial IPA!
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On-tap at Chupacabra in Mesa, AZ:
Pours golden with a white head. White lacing sticks.
The smell is of huge tropical and citrus notes with some tangerine and pine that is musty in a good way.
The taste is of tropical and citric fruits, tangerine and a touch of pine. Some solvent alcohol, but overall the alcohol is well-integrated. Nice bitter bite in the finish.
Smooth - not too hot despite some noticeable alcohol (as expected for abv level).
A very enjoyable hop-forward imperial IPA!
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4.27/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
this is a beer i have been hearing about and reading about for what seems like forever, so it was awesome to finally get to try it, one of those beers of lore, always wondered how much better than everything else can something like this really be, and the answer is that it probably was considerably better than whatever anyone else was doing with this style when it was first introduced more than a decade ago. now, it kind of just seems like another one. thats not a knock against it of course, it was clearly a pioneering beer and more of a trend setter than these guys probably could have imagined, less clear than what was popular at the time, but certainly not hazy for the sake of it, although this could be credited at least partially with making room for such things. i love the hop complexion, i get the columbus way ahead of the galaxy, its so hoppy that i can almost taste the pellets, the greenness, the vegetal element not just the compounds we desire in the beer. its juicy and its kind of sweet from the pale barley malt too, but there is a lot of orange juice, grapefruit zest, and pine needle character here, very northwestern to me, slick and oily feeling and dense as can be, almost woody like lumber, and with a lot of body too, its a big one for sure, perfectly appropriately named. the bitterness is all after the swallow which is cool, its a long trajectory of flavors. citrus abounds as well later on, a honey taste and richness in the middle, and very good, although possibly not as well refined and distinctive as i thought it would be after all the hype over the years. i think, like pliny or something, that the rest of the field has caught up enough where this isnt as mindblowingly unique as it probably once was, but that does not diminish its excellence...
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
this is a beer i have been hearing about and reading about for what seems like forever, so it was awesome to finally get to try it, one of those beers of lore, always wondered how much better than everything else can something like this really be, and the answer is that it probably was considerably better than whatever anyone else was doing with this style when it was first introduced more than a decade ago. now, it kind of just seems like another one. thats not a knock against it of course, it was clearly a pioneering beer and more of a trend setter than these guys probably could have imagined, less clear than what was popular at the time, but certainly not hazy for the sake of it, although this could be credited at least partially with making room for such things. i love the hop complexion, i get the columbus way ahead of the galaxy, its so hoppy that i can almost taste the pellets, the greenness, the vegetal element not just the compounds we desire in the beer. its juicy and its kind of sweet from the pale barley malt too, but there is a lot of orange juice, grapefruit zest, and pine needle character here, very northwestern to me, slick and oily feeling and dense as can be, almost woody like lumber, and with a lot of body too, its a big one for sure, perfectly appropriately named. the bitterness is all after the swallow which is cool, its a long trajectory of flavors. citrus abounds as well later on, a honey taste and richness in the middle, and very good, although possibly not as well refined and distinctive as i thought it would be after all the hype over the years. i think, like pliny or something, that the rest of the field has caught up enough where this isnt as mindblowingly unique as it probably once was, but that does not diminish its excellence...
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4.25/5 rDev -6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Shared from a growler with Ryan. Pours a pretty hazy orange body. Fresh hops and piney resinous aromas, zesty citrus. On the tongue is delicate but flavorful west coast style zesty hops, piney and citrusy with a light bitterness on the finish. Moderate malt backbone. Smooth and easy, especially for 9%
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Shared from a growler with Ryan. Pours a pretty hazy orange body. Fresh hops and piney resinous aromas, zesty citrus. On the tongue is delicate but flavorful west coast style zesty hops, piney and citrusy with a light bitterness on the finish. Moderate malt backbone. Smooth and easy, especially for 9%
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4.47/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Parking lot share with George...pours a cloudy golden orange color. Nice and hazy! Aroma of pine, subtle citrus are abundant. Taste is citrus up front with mid sip malt and finishes piney. Feel is relatively viscous for a DIPA. I love this! Overall, an excellent west coast DIPA. Very smooth for 9%!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Parking lot share with George...pours a cloudy golden orange color. Nice and hazy! Aroma of pine, subtle citrus are abundant. Taste is citrus up front with mid sip malt and finishes piney. Feel is relatively viscous for a DIPA. I love this! Overall, an excellent west coast DIPA. Very smooth for 9%!
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4.38/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Bottle Date: purchased a month ago
Palate Contaminants: a pizza with some liquid smoke
The look is dark straw, with a nice amount of fine white head. A little opaque, but it does let plenty of light through.
The smell is delicious sweet pears. There's also a little pine sap and some pineapple sharpness. It's not super complex, but what's there is really good.
There's little grapefruit, which is a surprising. Mostly pear, but some peach, too. The pineapple doesn't carry over. Non-sweet grapes of some undetermined variety join in. There's more earthiness than on the nose, but it's always in the background. It's balanced, overall. Slightly acidic, slightly sweet, moderately savory, and moderately bitter. I could see it supplementing a salty cheese well, but that's not actually one of the flavors I get.
Carbonation is very well integrated. Moderate-heavy thickness for the type. Savory aftertaste with grape leaves and woodsiness.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
Bottle Date: purchased a month ago
Palate Contaminants: a pizza with some liquid smoke
The look is dark straw, with a nice amount of fine white head. A little opaque, but it does let plenty of light through.
The smell is delicious sweet pears. There's also a little pine sap and some pineapple sharpness. It's not super complex, but what's there is really good.
There's little grapefruit, which is a surprising. Mostly pear, but some peach, too. The pineapple doesn't carry over. Non-sweet grapes of some undetermined variety join in. There's more earthiness than on the nose, but it's always in the background. It's balanced, overall. Slightly acidic, slightly sweet, moderately savory, and moderately bitter. I could see it supplementing a salty cheese well, but that's not actually one of the flavors I get.
Carbonation is very well integrated. Moderate-heavy thickness for the type. Savory aftertaste with grape leaves and woodsiness.
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4.35/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
about a 3 week old bottle drank on 6/6/2017
I've been seeking this one out for a while and I can certainly see why this was in a league of its own when it was first released. The piney, dank, citrus combo is really nice, it's incredibly drinkable, and somehow there's very little bitterness while the ABV is quite high. I really enjoyed this one as this showcased the west coast style very nicely.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
about a 3 week old bottle drank on 6/6/2017
I've been seeking this one out for a while and I can certainly see why this was in a league of its own when it was first released. The piney, dank, citrus combo is really nice, it's incredibly drinkable, and somehow there's very little bitterness while the ABV is quite high. I really enjoyed this one as this showcased the west coast style very nicely.
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4.65/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Another great Alpine IPA. These guys do an awesome job. Had this one a few months back and it was super fresh, super dank, great piney taste and hops came off with a perfect bite.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Another great Alpine IPA. These guys do an awesome job. Had this one a few months back and it was super fresh, super dank, great piney taste and hops came off with a perfect bite.
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4.54/5 rDev +0.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
One of the most wonderfully aromatic IPAs outside of the northeast! Alpine IPAs never fail to deliver, and this bad boy (ho!) is no exception! The bottle creeped me out a little bit, but I won't hold that against such a delicious DIPA.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
One of the most wonderfully aromatic IPAs outside of the northeast! Alpine IPAs never fail to deliver, and this bad boy (ho!) is no exception! The bottle creeped me out a little bit, but I won't hold that against such a delicious DIPA.
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4.71/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Probably my favorite beer that I've had from Alpine. Danky pine and citrus goodness, with a good mouthfeel and crisp finish. I now understand what I've been missing, and thankful for them bottling this and for the awesome trader that sent this my way. One step closer to dying happy.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Probably my favorite beer that I've had from Alpine. Danky pine and citrus goodness, with a good mouthfeel and crisp finish. I now understand what I've been missing, and thankful for them bottling this and for the awesome trader that sent this my way. One step closer to dying happy.
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4.52/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Finally had a chance to try this after looking to get a growler full for years! Small bottle run took place and I got a couple :). Solid offering from Alpine direct instead of the Alpine/Green Flash partnership... :(
Hope they make this a yearly release!!
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Finally had a chance to try this after looking to get a growler full for years! Small bottle run took place and I got a couple :). Solid offering from Alpine direct instead of the Alpine/Green Flash partnership... :(
Hope they make this a yearly release!!
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4.52/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Simi hazy orange hue.
Smell - Dank and citrus.
Taste - Follows the nose with the addition of some tropical fruits. Really good. Gets better as it warms.
Mouthfeel - Medium carbonation. Medium body.
Overall - Super glad I was able to pick this up. Definitely recommended.
Grade (A-)
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Simi hazy orange hue.
Smell - Dank and citrus.
Taste - Follows the nose with the addition of some tropical fruits. Really good. Gets better as it warms.
Mouthfeel - Medium carbonation. Medium body.
Overall - Super glad I was able to pick this up. Definitely recommended.
Grade (A-)
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4.31/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I remember this being kinda boozy. Huge tropical fruit and dank hops. Somewhat thick mouthfeel. Low carbonation. Great, but not amazing like people say.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
I remember this being kinda boozy. Huge tropical fruit and dank hops. Somewhat thick mouthfeel. Low carbonation. Great, but not amazing like people say.
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4.59/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Crystal clear yellow with a dark white head. Dank hops, tropical fruit, with lingering citrus zest in the nose. Taste opens the citrus more, some honey now in play, super hoppy bitters and dankness, some stone fruit in the background. Feel is not as swirlingly complex as some other alpine ipas, but still has hop molding with a strong malt base.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Crystal clear yellow with a dark white head. Dank hops, tropical fruit, with lingering citrus zest in the nose. Taste opens the citrus more, some honey now in play, super hoppy bitters and dankness, some stone fruit in the background. Feel is not as swirlingly complex as some other alpine ipas, but still has hop molding with a strong malt base.
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4.49/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dark ipa almost, dark orange and tan notes create an impressive head that holds its own for a few minutes. Aroma seemed to be somewhere along the lines of citra, summit, amarillo and simcoe.
All the usual Alpine hop flavors, fruit, hides alcohol, pine, mary jane, mango. Extremely crisp and dry finish. Just another excellent big dipa from Alpine, all the usual feels. Not as good as Nelson though.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dark ipa almost, dark orange and tan notes create an impressive head that holds its own for a few minutes. Aroma seemed to be somewhere along the lines of citra, summit, amarillo and simcoe.
All the usual Alpine hop flavors, fruit, hides alcohol, pine, mary jane, mango. Extremely crisp and dry finish. Just another excellent big dipa from Alpine, all the usual feels. Not as good as Nelson though.
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4.87/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
From a growler. Fresh fresh fresh! Hop aromas are pretty floral and fruit-forward. Plenty of biscuity grain detectable. Flavor is juicy citrus and melon fruits and some dank rosewater. Grassy on the back end, seems like a hallmark of Alpine. Mouthfeel is smooth with a distinctive tongue tickle. Way too drinkable for how strong it is. Right up there next to Enjoy By and Dinner.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
From a growler. Fresh fresh fresh! Hop aromas are pretty floral and fruit-forward. Plenty of biscuity grain detectable. Flavor is juicy citrus and melon fruits and some dank rosewater. Grassy on the back end, seems like a hallmark of Alpine. Mouthfeel is smooth with a distinctive tongue tickle. Way too drinkable for how strong it is. Right up there next to Enjoy By and Dinner.
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4.49/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On draft at the Alpine Pub. My first time having Bad Boy and it may be the best beer I've had from Alpine. Incredible aroma and wonderful hop flavor, but without overwhelming bitterness. Incredibly drinkable at 9%.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
On draft at the Alpine Pub. My first time having Bad Boy and it may be the best beer I've had from Alpine. Incredible aroma and wonderful hop flavor, but without overwhelming bitterness. Incredibly drinkable at 9%.
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4.07/5 rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.25
32 oz. growler. Slightly hazy. Small white head. Thin collar. Smell is bright citrus. Boozy. Fruity and a little bit of apple. Taste is bright citrus. Pine. Astringent maltiness. Maris otter is distinct. Boozy. Low carbonation. Medium body. Very tasty, but very big.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.25
32 oz. growler. Slightly hazy. Small white head. Thin collar. Smell is bright citrus. Boozy. Fruity and a little bit of apple. Taste is bright citrus. Pine. Astringent maltiness. Maris otter is distinct. Boozy. Low carbonation. Medium body. Very tasty, but very big.
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5/5 rDev +10.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: straw, pretty clear golden yellow. semi thin white head.
Smell: fresh hops and god's vagina
Taste: best part of this beer by a landslide. how is it 9% ? nobody knows. well, at least i dont.
Feel: perfect mouthfeel for a beer of this style. Medium, maybe slightly medium plus.
Overall: more people should try this beer. It's the best hoppy beer / imperial IPA in CA, and probably whole West Coast.
Thank goodness it was available a few days ago when I visited SD and this brewery for the first time.
This beer is epic. just drink it and you will know.
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: straw, pretty clear golden yellow. semi thin white head.
Smell: fresh hops and god's vagina
Taste: best part of this beer by a landslide. how is it 9% ? nobody knows. well, at least i dont.
Feel: perfect mouthfeel for a beer of this style. Medium, maybe slightly medium plus.
Overall: more people should try this beer. It's the best hoppy beer / imperial IPA in CA, and probably whole West Coast.
Thank goodness it was available a few days ago when I visited SD and this brewery for the first time.
This beer is epic. just drink it and you will know.
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4.99/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Best DIPA ive ever had. it is a hop monster but so drinkable, if it was available consistently it would dethrone Heady topper, which in my opinion is highly overrated.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Best DIPA ive ever had. it is a hop monster but so drinkable, if it was available consistently it would dethrone Heady topper, which in my opinion is highly overrated.
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4.35/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Type: Draft
Glass: Pint glass
From: Alpine Beer Company in Alpine, Calif.
Price: $6.00
Purchased: Oct. 15, 2014
Consumed: Oct. 15, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a honey, light caramel, semi-clear color with 1-to-2 fingers of offwhite head when I got it. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom at parts of the glass. Very good layered, spiderweb lacing along the sides of the glass. Good retention on top. (Sight - 4.25)
Initial smell reminded me of a Duet. Got grapefruit spices, Citra hops, tropical notes, mango notes late, caramel, nectarine rind and floral hops. (Smell - 4.25)
First thought on taste was wow! Still reminded me or a Duet. Caramel, Citra hops, Columbus hops, bitter grapefruit pulp and just feels like I’m tasting pulp. (Taste - 4.50)
Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, bitter, slightly warming finish, surprisingly. (Feel - 4.25)
This was a very, very good beer. So glad I’m living so close that I can catch some of these on random nights. (Overall - 4.25)
4.35 | 97 | A
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Type: Draft
Glass: Pint glass
From: Alpine Beer Company in Alpine, Calif.
Price: $6.00
Purchased: Oct. 15, 2014
Consumed: Oct. 15, 2014
Misc.: N/A
Poured a honey, light caramel, semi-clear color with 1-to-2 fingers of offwhite head when I got it. Lots of bubbles coming up from the bottom at parts of the glass. Very good layered, spiderweb lacing along the sides of the glass. Good retention on top. (Sight - 4.25)
Initial smell reminded me of a Duet. Got grapefruit spices, Citra hops, tropical notes, mango notes late, caramel, nectarine rind and floral hops. (Smell - 4.25)
First thought on taste was wow! Still reminded me or a Duet. Caramel, Citra hops, Columbus hops, bitter grapefruit pulp and just feels like I’m tasting pulp. (Taste - 4.50)
Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Long, bitter, slightly warming finish, surprisingly. (Feel - 4.25)
This was a very, very good beer. So glad I’m living so close that I can catch some of these on random nights. (Overall - 4.25)
4.35 | 97 | A
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4.91/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Need this again soon! Amazing dry hop that Alpine is known for. Smooth double ipa that starts with an amazing smell and ends with the perfect finish. My favorite double ipa!
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Need this again soon! Amazing dry hop that Alpine is known for. Smooth double ipa that starts with an amazing smell and ends with the perfect finish. My favorite double ipa!
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4.75/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
A fantastic big hoppy IPA that is surprisingly easy to drink. Feels like a bigger version of Hoppy Birthday, this beer was a wonderful treat to share among friends.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
A fantastic big hoppy IPA that is surprisingly easy to drink. Feels like a bigger version of Hoppy Birthday, this beer was a wonderful treat to share among friends.
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4.43/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is served on tap/draught. It has a golden yellow/gold pour with a small white head. Aromas consist of a floral citrus/grapefruit blend. This taste begins as it smells with a piney and bitter aftertaste. A hint of orange can also be tasted. Overall smooth and balanced
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is served on tap/draught. It has a golden yellow/gold pour with a small white head. Aromas consist of a floral citrus/grapefruit blend. This taste begins as it smells with a piney and bitter aftertaste. A hint of orange can also be tasted. Overall smooth and balanced
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4.29/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance- Received with almost a finger's worth of head which disappears as I write this. The head is pure cotton white while the body is a pale to medium amber which appears as a golden straw when held up to the light. Light lacing as with Alpine's other beers.
Nose- Have I mentioned that Alpine has hoppy beers on lockdown? Not bitter hophead beers but delicious fruity ones. More fruit notes with citrus notes taking the front (orange, lemon, and grapefruit). Some cherry. Notes of honey and caramel. Floral character. If this follows the aroma this is going to be the type of IIPA that I like.
Taste- Follows the nose to a certain extent. There is definitely a good amount of citrus (orange and lemon) and other fruits- cherry and peach at the moment. Good amount of honey and caramel. However, the best aspect of the flavor profile is one I can't really describe adequately. This is an extremely fresh and bright beer. Some pine and resin but not enough to render this a hophead's beer. The pine and resin does have a bit of linger which also shows some matchstick and grapefruit. Some orange and lemon peel. Caramel meets up with a bit of matchstick and makes it tastes a bit burnt. Some mustiness. Armpit and dirty socks. It is a little too cold to tell but I'm not as impressed with it as others seem to be. Certainly not in the same class as Notorious, Heady Topper, or Pliny the Younger at the moment.
Mouthfeel- Close to medium bodied with a lot of carbonation and zing. It's undeniable- high carbonation seems to be as much of signature to Alpine's top beers as low carbonation is for HOTD's elite beers. Still works. The zing complements the freshness and spice of the high hops.
Drinkability- Very easygoing and each taste varies. Each one might not be the best I've ever had but it keeps it interesting. No heat at all and 5 bucks for a 12 oz pour seems pretty reasonable for a high quality IIPA. Especially considering that Apex charges 5 bucks for a 6 oz pour of Notorious. Notorious is great but not that great.
Overall- Really good beer that wants to be great but just isn't. I've had too many world class IIPAs to think otherwise. Definitely worth a try though.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Appearance- Received with almost a finger's worth of head which disappears as I write this. The head is pure cotton white while the body is a pale to medium amber which appears as a golden straw when held up to the light. Light lacing as with Alpine's other beers.
Nose- Have I mentioned that Alpine has hoppy beers on lockdown? Not bitter hophead beers but delicious fruity ones. More fruit notes with citrus notes taking the front (orange, lemon, and grapefruit). Some cherry. Notes of honey and caramel. Floral character. If this follows the aroma this is going to be the type of IIPA that I like.
Taste- Follows the nose to a certain extent. There is definitely a good amount of citrus (orange and lemon) and other fruits- cherry and peach at the moment. Good amount of honey and caramel. However, the best aspect of the flavor profile is one I can't really describe adequately. This is an extremely fresh and bright beer. Some pine and resin but not enough to render this a hophead's beer. The pine and resin does have a bit of linger which also shows some matchstick and grapefruit. Some orange and lemon peel. Caramel meets up with a bit of matchstick and makes it tastes a bit burnt. Some mustiness. Armpit and dirty socks. It is a little too cold to tell but I'm not as impressed with it as others seem to be. Certainly not in the same class as Notorious, Heady Topper, or Pliny the Younger at the moment.
Mouthfeel- Close to medium bodied with a lot of carbonation and zing. It's undeniable- high carbonation seems to be as much of signature to Alpine's top beers as low carbonation is for HOTD's elite beers. Still works. The zing complements the freshness and spice of the high hops.
Drinkability- Very easygoing and each taste varies. Each one might not be the best I've ever had but it keeps it interesting. No heat at all and 5 bucks for a 12 oz pour seems pretty reasonable for a high quality IIPA. Especially considering that Apex charges 5 bucks for a 6 oz pour of Notorious. Notorious is great but not that great.
Overall- Really good beer that wants to be great but just isn't. I've had too many world class IIPAs to think otherwise. Definitely worth a try though.
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Bad Boy from Alpine Beer Company
Beer rating:
99 out of
100 with
595 ratings
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