5th Anniversary Abyss: Hoptopus
Czig Meister Brewing Company

DATE: September 5, 2021... OCCASION: on the eve of Labor Day, I ease into the holiday with a flavorful, limited-edition offering... GLASSWARE: Duvel snifter... pours a hazy, fuzzy, light orange cream color that supports a half-finger's worth of white foam that rings consistently... intense hops, building a citrus powder keg--grapefruit and orange, melon and thick lactic undertones... juicy, mouth-watering aroma that elicits an equally thick, chewy front end, a warming middle, and a creamy finish... it cheats its ABV rather well, with a lactic smoothness that keeps a rather mid-level IBU robust in taste... lemon, pineapple, grapefruit, and lactose make this a full draw, an easily sippable, flavorful beer that has great packaging--another one my kids appreciate!--while providing ample flavor...

First review. Canned on 5/28/2021. Poured into a Czig Meister pint glass. It pours an opaque, muddy tangerine color with a half finger of creamy, bright white cap and thick lacing. The nose is malty with creamy oats, tangerine, lemon, and subdued floral hops. The taste opens with a good blend of sweet, creamy oats and citrus - I'm tasting orange/tangerine, lemon, and a hint of ripe melon and stone fruit. As it warms there are notes of raspberry which is a nice touch. The Citra hops are evident in the citrus but the bitterness is modest despite the 53 IBU. The best thing about Hoptopus is its mouth feel: it's plush and creamy with moderate carbonation, and it drinks very easily for 9% ABV. Overall, Hoptopus is an enjoyable beer - it's surprisingly mellow for its elevated alcohol level. If you like bitter bombs, then it's probably not for you but I think it's a nice offering; perfect for a quiet Sunday afternoon outdoors.