Space Oddity
Level Crossing Brewing Company

 

exceptional double ipa, these guys are still killing it and flying under the radar, i was stoked on this, one of the better and more striking big ipa types ive had all year, how is there not more conversation out there about these guys?! it almost has to have cryo hops in it, so forward and pungent without being green or harsh at all, nice balance then even though this is minimal on the grain side and really bold. its also done with orange blossom honey, which i think is subtle here but it helps set this apart from others, all the hops really seem to pop with the little bit of golden sweetness and floral character, nose and taste of tangelos and clementines, dried mango and apricot, juicy papaya and cantaloupe, and a bit of danky weed character too, wonderful and fresh to me, heightened by the bit of alcohol that heats this up most of the way, i dont mind it in the style and it actually has a functional role in the flavor it seems. clever idea and name too, all the hops that have something to do with space in their name, an uncommon combination, more than i thought even, and really good together, random or not. definitely not a new england type in the traditional sense, but it does look unfiltered, just not thick and starchy and all creamed up. plenty of bitterness in this but its not too much, its also juicy and oily at the same time from all the hops, grassy and even a little spicy as it warms, pretty full spectrum hop range here, and a clean ferment. slick and soft in feel, maybe slightly less carbonated than it could be, but its close and i like the pace overall. the honey is recognizable, it adds a little body too, and there is an awesome aftertaste from it. i was pumped on this one, and remain pumped on level crossing in general. this would stand out in any lineup of hoppy beers. well done!

16oz can from The Grapevine. Mildly hazy golden, foamy head slowly subsides. Aroma us fruity, first citrus, then tropical, then floral. Layered. Taste is hoppy, herbaceous, fruit rind. Dry, chalky.