Elissa IPA
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- IPA - American
Ranked #5,269 - ABV:
- 7.1%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #28,608 - Avg:
- 3.79 | pDev: 12.66%
- Reviews:
- 403
- Ratings:
- From:
- Saint Arnold Brewing Company
- Texas, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 35
- Gots
- 248
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
A traditional India Pale Ale, the Elissa IPA is very hoppy with a properly balanced malty body. Elissa has huge hop additions in the kettle that give it a wonderful bitterness and is then dry-hopped in the fermenter to create the pleasant floral, hoppy nose. Our reverse osmosis water makes the bitter very soft with no harsh notes to it. The maltiness is derived from British Maris Otter malt. Its rich flavor stands up to the hops that would otherwise dominate this beer. The Elissa is an authentic version of an India Pale Ale (IPA) style.
Reviews: 403
| Ratings: 1,064
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puck1225 from Texas
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this with a wonderful meal at one of those restaurant that has excellent food but focuses on wine and has a worse beer selection than Applebee’s.
Anyway, this beer is not bad and it went well with the meal. poured into a tall pilsner glass from a bottle. Golden yellow color with good head and lacing. Piney, citrus smella Nd taste. A bit of vanilla. Overall pretty good but doubt I will buy a six pack. Meal was great!
Aug 09, 2019
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had this with a wonderful meal at one of those restaurant that has excellent food but focuses on wine and has a worse beer selection than Applebee’s.
Anyway, this beer is not bad and it went well with the meal. poured into a tall pilsner glass from a bottle. Golden yellow color with good head and lacing. Piney, citrus smella Nd taste. A bit of vanilla. Overall pretty good but doubt I will buy a six pack. Meal was great!
Aug 09, 2019
Jugs_McGhee from Louisiana
2.63/5 rDev -30.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
100% Cascade hops.
I wrote a proper review of this and then it somehow didn't save, so here's the brief version:
It's a wannabe scaled-up version of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale with ill enough hop pungency. Suffers from dryness on the finish and a bit of alcohol warmth throughout. Hop profile is okay, but showcases Cascade poorly especially compared to the aforementioned SNPA.
Very pedestrian imitative fare...not a beer I'd buy again.
C- / BELOW AVERAGE
Jun 06, 2019
2.63/5 rDev -30.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
100% Cascade hops.
I wrote a proper review of this and then it somehow didn't save, so here's the brief version:
It's a wannabe scaled-up version of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale with ill enough hop pungency. Suffers from dryness on the finish and a bit of alcohol warmth throughout. Hop profile is okay, but showcases Cascade poorly especially compared to the aforementioned SNPA.
Very pedestrian imitative fare...not a beer I'd buy again.
C- / BELOW AVERAGE
Jun 06, 2019
Tennisballa07 from Georgia
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Slightly clear amber color. Well balanced IPA with British malts that complement the hops. Strong hops, but also enough of a malt backbone. Could even be a DIPA at 7.1%.
Aug 15, 2018
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Slightly clear amber color. Well balanced IPA with British malts that complement the hops. Strong hops, but also enough of a malt backbone. Could even be a DIPA at 7.1%.
Aug 15, 2018
Thomas_Wikman from Texas
3.74/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
I recently had a Saint Arnolds Elissa IPA at an Italian restaurant.
Look: clear light brown yellow with a thin white head
Aroma: biscuit and pine
Taste: Biscuit, a little bit of grapefruit and pine bitterness, and moderate bitterness. I tend to like the more grapefruity IPAs.
Feel: light to medium body. It is thirst quenching and good with Italian food.
Jan 03, 2018
3.74/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
I recently had a Saint Arnolds Elissa IPA at an Italian restaurant.
Look: clear light brown yellow with a thin white head
Aroma: biscuit and pine
Taste: Biscuit, a little bit of grapefruit and pine bitterness, and moderate bitterness. I tend to like the more grapefruity IPAs.
Feel: light to medium body. It is thirst quenching and good with Italian food.
Jan 03, 2018
HTXcaballero from Texas
4.21/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
To me, this is a very different IPA. It's made with 100% Cascade hops, which are supposedly known for being spicy, citrusy, and with grapefruit-like notes. But mostly I tasted the spiciness, which makes this IPA a bolder, more robust ale than other IPA's. I found, much to my liking, a relative absence of the grapefruit notes, which were what began turning me off to IPA's a number of years back. Elissa is one IPA I'll be buying again.
Nov 13, 2017
4.21/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
To me, this is a very different IPA. It's made with 100% Cascade hops, which are supposedly known for being spicy, citrusy, and with grapefruit-like notes. But mostly I tasted the spiciness, which makes this IPA a bolder, more robust ale than other IPA's. I found, much to my liking, a relative absence of the grapefruit notes, which were what began turning me off to IPA's a number of years back. Elissa is one IPA I'll be buying again.
Nov 13, 2017
ChrisChris23 from Colorado
4.09/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Golden to amber in appearance. Crisp yet malty and almost lagerish to the nose. While only using Cascade hops the depth of flavor is pleasantly surprised. Maintains a crisp feel and offers a pleasant experience from tip of the tongue to after taste. All in all, this is a nice "go to" beer if I were able to get it locally.
Aug 20, 2017
4.09/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Golden to amber in appearance. Crisp yet malty and almost lagerish to the nose. While only using Cascade hops the depth of flavor is pleasantly surprised. Maintains a crisp feel and offers a pleasant experience from tip of the tongue to after taste. All in all, this is a nice "go to" beer if I were able to get it locally.
Aug 20, 2017
gvickery from Texas
3.99/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Great orange amber color. Smell of hops with some malt in the background. Very bright flavor that lingers long after, but in a good way. The high abv will definetly sneak up on you. I'm a local from a Houston suburb so I guess I'm a little biased, but I like almost anything St Arnold puts out.
Jul 04, 2017
3.99/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Great orange amber color. Smell of hops with some malt in the background. Very bright flavor that lingers long after, but in a good way. The high abv will definetly sneak up on you. I'm a local from a Houston suburb so I guess I'm a little biased, but I like almost anything St Arnold puts out.
Jul 04, 2017
Tsar_Riga from Indiana
4.02/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Superb clear orange body, moderate white head, nice nose of pine and lemon. Flavor follows, with pleasant feel and dry finish. It is a pretty well crafted IPA, traditional American, a pleasure.
Oct 16, 2016
4.02/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Superb clear orange body, moderate white head, nice nose of pine and lemon. Flavor follows, with pleasant feel and dry finish. It is a pretty well crafted IPA, traditional American, a pleasure.
Oct 16, 2016
HipCzech from Texas
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving: On tap at the brewery, served in a shaker pint glass.
Appearance: Clear, bright copper with a slowly fading head of creamy off white head and a nice pattern of sticky lace.
Smell: Pine, mixed citrus peel and a lightly toasted biscuit malt.
Taste: Harmonious malt body with spearmint, citrus oils and slightly dank, earthy hops. Finishes clean with a healthy bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with lively but gentle carbonation.
Overall: Saint Arnold's first IPA stays true to a little older, balanced style - tasty and drinkable.
Sep 27, 2016
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving: On tap at the brewery, served in a shaker pint glass.
Appearance: Clear, bright copper with a slowly fading head of creamy off white head and a nice pattern of sticky lace.
Smell: Pine, mixed citrus peel and a lightly toasted biscuit malt.
Taste: Harmonious malt body with spearmint, citrus oils and slightly dank, earthy hops. Finishes clean with a healthy bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with lively but gentle carbonation.
Overall: Saint Arnold's first IPA stays true to a little older, balanced style - tasty and drinkable.
Sep 27, 2016
rodbeermunch from Nevada
3.42/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Darker than average ipa, 3/4" off white head. The aroma had a little bit of citrus, but not a substantial amount, like a small breeze brought it to you from somewhere afar.
Taste went more grapefruit, a tiny bit of orange, went with more toasted honey and pale malts than crystal. Relatively malty still, this was probably the first Texas ipa I ever had, no doubt they had to ease into the lupulin threshold shift. Still good.
Aug 25, 2016
3.42/5 rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Darker than average ipa, 3/4" off white head. The aroma had a little bit of citrus, but not a substantial amount, like a small breeze brought it to you from somewhere afar.
Taste went more grapefruit, a tiny bit of orange, went with more toasted honey and pale malts than crystal. Relatively malty still, this was probably the first Texas ipa I ever had, no doubt they had to ease into the lupulin threshold shift. Still good.
Aug 25, 2016
_drummer_ from China
4.36/5 rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Darker for an IPA, but good all around. Strong hops and hints of citrus. Good level of carbonation that complements the hops. Very refreshing on a hot day. Enjoyed it!
Aug 04, 2016
4.36/5 rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Darker for an IPA, but good all around. Strong hops and hints of citrus. Good level of carbonation that complements the hops. Very refreshing on a hot day. Enjoyed it!
Aug 04, 2016
Reema from California
3.82/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving type: 12 oz bottle into a pint glass
Pours a slightly hazed orange amber color with a white head that recedes into a film. Smell is of vegetal hops, ample pine, and a pleasant maltiness. Taste is superior to the smell. Initial herbal vegetal hoppiness leads into a pine taste that finishes with a slightly bitter biscuit flavor that lingers for a small while. Feel is medium fluffy, which isn't off putting but slightly thicker would help with the heavier pine and herbal hops flavors. Overall this is a pretty good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.
Mar 21, 2016
3.82/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Serving type: 12 oz bottle into a pint glass
Pours a slightly hazed orange amber color with a white head that recedes into a film. Smell is of vegetal hops, ample pine, and a pleasant maltiness. Taste is superior to the smell. Initial herbal vegetal hoppiness leads into a pine taste that finishes with a slightly bitter biscuit flavor that lingers for a small while. Feel is medium fluffy, which isn't off putting but slightly thicker would help with the heavier pine and herbal hops flavors. Overall this is a pretty good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.
Mar 21, 2016
HotDogBikeRide from Texas
3.87/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle dated 11/04/15, copper translucent beer with white frothy head that maintains a finger a few minutes in. Best served chilled IMO.
No immediate nose so to speak, reminds me of a typical St. Arnold's brew which is a great smell. But real muted with this beer. This one's taste is just a little maltiness with a bit of bready tones and very few standout hops. Some good lacing, almost reminds me of a Lawnmower just without the insane amount of grassy notes and instead a modest beer belch behind it.
A very decent beer to drink, but not as adventurous nor as unique as say their Art Car IPA or a couple others I've tried. It is solid and very middle of the road, not going to offend anyone but this particular one probably won't blow many minds either. Does a good job of hiding a decent amount of alcohol. Not too bad at all!
Jan 18, 2016
3.87/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a bottle dated 11/04/15, copper translucent beer with white frothy head that maintains a finger a few minutes in. Best served chilled IMO.
No immediate nose so to speak, reminds me of a typical St. Arnold's brew which is a great smell. But real muted with this beer. This one's taste is just a little maltiness with a bit of bready tones and very few standout hops. Some good lacing, almost reminds me of a Lawnmower just without the insane amount of grassy notes and instead a modest beer belch behind it.
A very decent beer to drink, but not as adventurous nor as unique as say their Art Car IPA or a couple others I've tried. It is solid and very middle of the road, not going to offend anyone but this particular one probably won't blow many minds either. Does a good job of hiding a decent amount of alcohol. Not too bad at all!
Jan 18, 2016
jancona from Pennsylvania
3.83/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Smell has a bit of sticky juice - tangerine along with malts and some faint pine. Taste starts with malt and tangerine juice blend then to more of a rind flavor along with lingering pine hops. A very balanced IPA - not overly hoppy. Definitely unique in a good way.
Nov 12, 2015
3.83/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Smell has a bit of sticky juice - tangerine along with malts and some faint pine. Taste starts with malt and tangerine juice blend then to more of a rind flavor along with lingering pine hops. A very balanced IPA - not overly hoppy. Definitely unique in a good way.
Nov 12, 2015
MarkLinton1 from West Virginia
4.05/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very interesting IPA. A little surprised at first but the more I sipped....the more I liked it. Very difficult to brew a unique American IPA, but you have one here. Perfect combination of pine and citrus with nice bitter finish. A must try for all Hop Heads!
Oct 25, 2015
4.05/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Very interesting IPA. A little surprised at first but the more I sipped....the more I liked it. Very difficult to brew a unique American IPA, but you have one here. Perfect combination of pine and citrus with nice bitter finish. A must try for all Hop Heads!
Oct 25, 2015
drdiesel9483 from Ohio
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Golden amber color with a good white head that leaves slight lacing. Lots of pines in the smell. Great balance between hops and malts on this beer, fantstic piney hops. medium body and quite of bit of carbs. Great for the beer. Pretty good balanced ipa.
Sep 11, 2015
3.94/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Golden amber color with a good white head that leaves slight lacing. Lots of pines in the smell. Great balance between hops and malts on this beer, fantstic piney hops. medium body and quite of bit of carbs. Great for the beer. Pretty good balanced ipa.
Sep 11, 2015
Zach136 from Georgia
3.78/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle without a date. For shame. Hops are too faded to accurately rate. Just gonna throw an rAvg rating on here. Appearance is on point. Hops seem to be a bit orangey-citrusy. I'll revisit and update when I can get something verifiably fresh.
Jul 07, 2015
3.78/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle without a date. For shame. Hops are too faded to accurately rate. Just gonna throw an rAvg rating on here. Appearance is on point. Hops seem to be a bit orangey-citrusy. I'll revisit and update when I can get something verifiably fresh.
Jul 07, 2015
JSuperman from California
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
While working in Houston I asked for a local IPA at the hotel bar. This was the recommendation. I was very leary but I was pleased to discover that this is a solid little IPA. It's not typical so prepare yourself for a simpler taste with less hop-kick. But it has this Belgian aftertaste that I really warmed up to. Not the best in class but something that stands apart from the IPA crowd if you want to try something different.
Jun 03, 2015
4/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
While working in Houston I asked for a local IPA at the hotel bar. This was the recommendation. I was very leary but I was pleased to discover that this is a solid little IPA. It's not typical so prepare yourself for a simpler taste with less hop-kick. But it has this Belgian aftertaste that I really warmed up to. Not the best in class but something that stands apart from the IPA crowd if you want to try something different.
Jun 03, 2015
kevinross85 from Scotland
3.11/5 rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
It just didn't have the bitterness and hoppy taste I like in my IPA's. Not a bad beer and would drink again but not something I would go searching for
Apr 24, 2015
3.11/5 rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
It just didn't have the bitterness and hoppy taste I like in my IPA's. Not a bad beer and would drink again but not something I would go searching for
Apr 24, 2015
boodz85 from Pennsylvania
3.6/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
It has a nice copper color, nice light feel to it, but the taste was not what I expected and does not finish like an IPA. Solid, easy to drink beer but nothing special.
Mar 29, 2015
3.6/5 rDev -5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
It has a nice copper color, nice light feel to it, but the taste was not what I expected and does not finish like an IPA. Solid, easy to drink beer but nothing special.
Mar 29, 2015
Joe_Howard from Texas
4.31/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Copper color with a respectable head. Smells of citrus and some pine. Taste is bold but surprisingly not as bitter tasting as the 60 IBUs would make you think. Overall a very tasty, easy to drink IPA.
Mar 01, 2015
4.31/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Copper color with a respectable head. Smells of citrus and some pine. Taste is bold but surprisingly not as bitter tasting as the 60 IBUs would make you think. Overall a very tasty, easy to drink IPA.
Mar 01, 2015
tone77 from Pennsylvania
3.53/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a beige/orange color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of pine, some malts. Taste is well balanced malts and hops, a bit of pine, mild bitterness. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall, kind of mild for the style, but an enjoyable beer nonetheless.
Feb 10, 2015
3.53/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a brown 12 oz. bottle. Has a beige/orange color with a 1/2 inch head. Smell is of pine, some malts. Taste is well balanced malts and hops, a bit of pine, mild bitterness. Feels medium bodied in the mouth and overall, kind of mild for the style, but an enjoyable beer nonetheless.
Feb 10, 2015
caffeineTX from Texas
3.82/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This is an underrated Saint Arnold beer, it is the best year round beer they make (you could make an argument for Endeavor especially since it is now sold in 12oz 4 packs instead of just the bombers which is a better format but Endeavor started as a Divine Reserve limited release).
This is a good sessionable IPA and it kicks ass on cask.
Jan 28, 2015
3.82/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
This is an underrated Saint Arnold beer, it is the best year round beer they make (you could make an argument for Endeavor especially since it is now sold in 12oz 4 packs instead of just the bombers which is a better format but Endeavor started as a Divine Reserve limited release).
This is a good sessionable IPA and it kicks ass on cask.
Jan 28, 2015
cmbeddoe7997 from Texas
3.64/5 rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
L: Very nice pale amber color!
S: Floral smell. Pretty mild
T: Not nearly as powerful as most IPAS. Kinda sweet notes at first. Finishes off with some hoppy bitterness.
F: Medium to light feeling. Nice carbonation on the finish.
Dec 24, 2014
3.64/5 rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
L: Very nice pale amber color!
S: Floral smell. Pretty mild
T: Not nearly as powerful as most IPAS. Kinda sweet notes at first. Finishes off with some hoppy bitterness.
F: Medium to light feeling. Nice carbonation on the finish.
Dec 24, 2014
Andyyyyyy from Texas
4.5/5 rDev +18.7%
Taste- nice crisp taste going down.
Mouthfeel- slight bitterness very mild hoppiness.
Appearance- Amber/reddish color slightly clear.
Scent- mild hoppiness, slightly floral
Overall- great IPA I recommend it to anyone learning to like IPA's
Nov 06, 2014
4.5/5 rDev +18.7%
Taste- nice crisp taste going down.
Mouthfeel- slight bitterness very mild hoppiness.
Appearance- Amber/reddish color slightly clear.
Scent- mild hoppiness, slightly floral
Overall- great IPA I recommend it to anyone learning to like IPA's
Nov 06, 2014
Elissa IPA from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
1064 ratings
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