Double Double (Purple Label)
BKS Artisan Ales

(review from April 2024) Yeess, Willard! It's another great DD from BKS, this version w/the same thick haze; good mouthfeel; a huge bitter/hoppy bite & a really complex, hard-to-pin-down citrusy/juicy/grassy/piney/earthyish-very-slightly-tropical-what-IS-that flavor but every bit it's advertised 8.5% strength! Still a smooth fooler for the alcohol content but this one is a sipper & NOT a quaffer!

 

Pours a dark orange with an opaque-murky transparency. Head is two fingers of off-white foam. Aroma leans sticky, with resin, herbal, and minor grass hops that bond with tropical fruits. It's not overly juicy, instead hitting a somewhat sticky balance between typical west coast and northeast IPA hop qualities. Doughy, bready malts underneath and fruity yeast complete the aroma. Flavor profile is, again, sticky from the start, hitting notes of resin, grass, and minor herbal hops. These sticky hop qualities mold together with tropical fruit, which provides a little sweetness. There is no hop burn or hop stick at the back of the throat, with a smooth transition forming between initial sticky notes and the sweeter notes at the finish. Doughy malts help sooth things out as well. Mouth feel is creamy with a medium-thick consistency. It's a comfortable, soothing texture. Overall, the balance here is great, although the focus on sticky hops may be a deterrent to some seeking a juicy, sugary IPA. Nevertheless, the balance remains splendid.

Served in a 15.5oz Spiegelau tulip from a 16oz can.

Pours a yellowish-gold, with an off-white head and moderate lacing. Aroma has some alcohol astringency along with resiny hops. The initial taste is quite malty, with some bubblegum and citrus. The feel is full, with a slightly warming aftertaste.

Can purchased from the brewery 10/9/2020.