Hoppy Trails I.P.A
Sobel's Obscure Brewery

Thanks to a concerted effort on my part, there has been a significant reduction in the Bottle (Gasp!) Backlog here at Chez Woody. The effort continues with this beer.

From the Bottle (!): "Officially founded in 2012, Sobel's Obscure Brewery (S.O.B.) is a family of beerologists committed to making the world a better place, one outstanding craft beer at a time."; "Our smooth India Pale Ale is loaded with hops. It is balanced by a crisp body and a delicate floral aroma."; "Over-The-Top Hoppy: Above & Beyond Bitter: 105 - 120 IBU".

I Pop!ped the cap & started a slow, gentle C-Line pour into the awaiting glass. I was mildly interested as it foamed up to form just under two fingers of dense, foamy, rocky, tawny head with moderate retention. Color was solidly-Amber (SRM = > 7, < 9) with NE-quality clarity. Nose had a malty caramel sweetness overlapping the minty pine hops. Hmm. Mouthfeel was medium. The taste had an odd bitterness, as though the hops were in conflict with the malts. It was just not very smooth in terms of its taste. Finish was semi-dry, but it lacked cohesion throughout. I hate to be hard on a beer, but theirs is a contract brewery who came up with a gimmicky name and a buncha recipes & got someone to brew & bottle their ideas. There are just too many other, much better AIPAs out there to get bogged down with one of clearly lesser quality. YMMV.