The Spell Of The Sorcerer's Skull
North Park Beer Company

Type: 10-oz. draft
Reviewed as: New England Triple / Imperial IPA
Glass: North Park 10-oz. snifter glass
Price: $10.00
From: North Park Beer Company in North Park (San Diego), Calif.
Purchased: Dec. 1, 2022
Consumed: Dec. 1, 2022
Misc.: Collaboration with Brujos; Quick review

Had this and another after both cans sold out online, along with a barrel-aged stout. North Park’s website description read “The Brujos Brewing overlord paid us a visit, and we made something truly magical together. The Spell of the Sorcerers Skull TDH Hazy QIPA is 12% and loaded with Citra, Galaxy, and Rakau hops, conjuring up notes of juicy peach, ripe apricot, and passion fruit.”

Poured a light-to-medium gold hazy color with 1-to-2 fingers of frothy off-white head when I got it. Could see a few bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. Outstanding foggy lacing. Outstanding retention. (Sight - 4.25)

Smelled Citra, orange, pineapple, peach, Galaxy, passion fruit, papaya, mango, Rakau, pine, stone fruit and grass. (Smell - 4.25)

Tasted similar to the nose. First thing I noticed was how smooth it was for 12 pct. ABV. Citra, peach, apricot, orange, pineapple, Galaxy, passion fruit, papaya, mango, Rakau, pine, stone fruit and viney berry. (Taste - 4.00)

Medium body. Creamy texture. Average carbonation. Astringent finish. (Feel - 4.75)

So smooth for what it was. Another great North Park hazy TIPA. (Overall - 4.25)

4.20 | 94 | A-

Well damn, this is apparently over a year old and isn't showing it at all, in both appearance and flavor. The look is classic opaque straw yellow with a white foam head. You'd think it'd be darkening, at least somewhat.

It retains boozy NEIPA characteristics without really any oxidation to speak of, which is beyond impressive. And I'm told it's less boozy than it was when fresh, while simultaneously exhibiting a juicy, softly fluffy body.

Sweet tropical hoppy, slightly malty, and an orange-grapefruit, slightly earthy nose on this one! I needed the aromatics to pop just a little more here. Taste follows with a tropical hoppy and grapefruit citrus bitter finish. A hint of booziness shows up on the backend, but, you can't complain about that with this being a QIPA. With these bigbois, you are going to get some maltiness and booziness...and for the style, outside of the nose, this hits all the marks. Good stuff!