Defiance Double I.P.Lager
Thomas Hooker Brewing Company

Things are progressing nicely with regard to my ongoing and systematic eradication of the Bottle Backlog here at Chez Woody and the results are noticeable, but it becomes incumbent upon me to drink and review new beers as they become available. I refer to this as "chipping", since it is just odds & sods without any overarching theme, such as brewery and/or style.

From the bottle: "Smooth & Unconventional"; "Defying conventional wisdom, this brew possesses the robust hop character of an India Pale Ale, but finishes smooth like a lager. Defiance IPL, the best of both worlds."

I Pop!ped the cap & began a gentle pour, in keeping with my New Year's Resolution and my Lenten denial. Aggro pours from bottles are now (mostly) a thing of the past. I am enjoying these in-glass swirls since they seem to produce more head that I might have gotten otherwise. This time, it was two fingers of dense, rocky, eggshell-white head with good retention, leaving nice lacing in its wake. Color was Golden-Amber (SRM = > 5, < 7) with NE-quality clarity, prompting an impromptu visit fro The Gelt Gang of Mammon, Midas & Croesus. Nose had a biscuit maltiness along with a lemon-grapefruit bitterness, piquing my curiosity. Mouthfeel was big & full, kind of interesting for a Pilsner. The taste was an interesting amalgam of flavors, ranging from a biscuity sweetness to a grassy, citrusy bitterness. It was like drinking an amped-up Czech Pils! Finish was dry, but the alcohol could also be sensed, making it a bit on the hot side. Phew. This was no playin' around! I think that I shall have a lie-down after this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottle from Kelly and Paul, sorry I couldn't wait for you.
Brilliantly clear deep golden color with a huge bubbly white head that persists forever. Bready caramel malt on the nose spicy earthy hop. This seems like its less than fresh or just not that hop forward. Good but not great.