Hoppy Time
ZümBier

 

 

 

 

I've had this on tap at Zum's tiny and well hidden tap room and in bombers.

I'm comparing it to Hop Whore, Hop Slam, Hop Centric and Balling the Queen and without any question it more than stands up. This is an excellent DIPA.

Deep golden brown with a sharp white head that reduces into a clingy lace - the tap is slightly thicker.

Deep pine hop notes with a rich toast and citrus backbone.

The hops strike first in a resinous assault that is bitter but not astringent. They're supported by a triumvirate of toasted malt, vaguely grapefruit citrus and sweet honey that brings all into balance. None steals the show from the others.

Again, the tap is slightly richer and more viscous, but both are full and soft across your mouth with a long pleasant finish where you notice the alcohol in a not overpowering way.

This is an excellent and finely balanced DIPA and Larry (the brewer) needs to brew much more of it for me and my hop head friends.

 

Pours murky amber/copper with bubbles rising to this phenomenal off white head.

Aroma is pine, lemon zest, and character of raw honey comb. Of course the hops in this is tremendous.

Taste biscuity malty in the front with a sweet finish of the honey. Im surprised how much of the honey pushes through on the nose and in the mouth. Very nice!

Mouthfeel is crisp and light, nice bitterness at the start and finish with that sweet honey. The label said honey, and my god you get the honey!

Overall this is a great IPA. I love a great hoppy IPA but the honey on this takes the cake. Perfect balance and taking the "bitter/sweet" term literally. So far I've been loving what Zumbier has been putting out. Will be searching for more!!

 

 

 

 

Batch # 29. Tasted from a bomber on January 18, 2015.