Hopic Thunder
Waco Ale Company

Charging into the crowded IPA scene with thunderous applause, Waco Ale Co. brings an old school maltiness with a fruitier demeanor for a beer that's truly hopic.

Honey amber and held in a mild haze, Hopic Thunder releases a foamy white cap along with a perfumy, fruity and juicy scent with hints of curious herb. As a sweeter taste gravitates toward the early palate, suggestions of honey, caramel, nuttiness and toast provide an overall granola taste.

As the fruit flavors arise, they bring a candied sweetness of pink grapefruit, mandarin orange, mango, pineapple, apricot, peach and cantaloup in a juicy, rounded and tropical taste. As the ale shifts toward bitterness and dryness, the flavors develop a piney, peppery and herbal bite of cannabis, sun tea and perfume spices as the session closes.

Medium bodied, malty-dry and bitter-sweet, the session is moderate but strong. Its imperial status hides its alcohol well as its unattenuated sweetness allows the malts to balance the alcohol head in a deceptively drinkable way.

Nice amber color, with a tight slightly off colored head. Nose is dank! Taste was bready with piney overtones. Feel was less bitter than I like. ABV was slightly evident.