Hops & Dreams
The Alementary Brewing Co.

Well, this pint can label definitely says "The Alementary Brewing Co." It also lists the ABV at 8.5% at two different places on the label of this pint can. That gives it the potency of an Imperial IPA, but sitting in a clear glass Imperial pint mug, it looks like the new hazy NEIPAs. It's a very dirty blond, murky and with a slightly off-white foamy head. The aroma isn't as pronounced as the look suggests it should be. It has some faint hoppiness to it, but it's somewhere behind just a hint of grassiness. A sharp bite greets the tasting, but it's more of alcohol than hops. That doesn't mean the hops are missing. They're there much bolder than the aroma suggested. Even though they're a little dank or earthy, they are mostly sharply better. Maybe it's the hops, maybe it's the alcohol, but the finish and what lingers turns dry. There is almost no glass lacing. Matching that characteristic is the lack of a good backing. This is way too light on the tongue than a good DIPA should be. This one is way out of balance. There's hops, but not the way hop lovers dream about having them.

 

 

 

You don't have to come from CA, Vt. or you know where in Brooklyn to be a great hoppy beer. This is to me as good as (and better than most) than any East Coast style DIPA made in NJ and that's saying something considering what Carton does . While it may not be superior to the famous ones raved about here on BA it is certainly on their level. It's wonderfully dank, resinous, and hop heavy. Flavors of orange and tangerine dominate with a hint of lemon. Finish is all about hop resins. Its 8.5% ABV is well hidden and avoids any heat or overt sweetness. The nose is a bit light but the mouthfeel is perfect for the style.

Pours a mostly clear coppery gold in color with nearly 2 fingers of white head, good retention. Aroma is hoppy with some orange and grassy notes. Taste is citrus hops, caramel malts, and a moderate bitterness. Medium body and moderate carbonation, slightly slick mouthfeel. Overall a decent beer but it just doesn't quite do it for me.

On tap at the Dog and Cask in Rochelle Park. Pours an effervescent, golden hue with minimal frothing. Aroma reminiscent of fresh pines and hops. Similar flavor profile with dank resinous mouthfeel.