Hoperation Ivy (Local Series #24)
Ska Brewing Co.

weird this is on shelves as number 24 this year, but the beer was added last year. no way its still this good after sitting around for a year, so i have to imagine they made it again and released it as the same number, or else there was some other error in adding this beer, but its awesome either way, and i have to imagine this is fresh. a little darker in color than i remember others in the series being, more of a maple syrup almost amber copper color, and a nice frothy just off white head on it with excellent retention. some sediment that looks granular accumulates in the bottom of the glass, but doesnt turn me off much. smells like juicy wet hops and a little more crystal malt than others have had. the grain is fresh and sweet, and it marries beautifully with the oily hops, which have some sweetness of their own. canned pineapple, preserved lemon, and honey are what i gather from the hops, a unique bouquet of aromas and flavors not always associated with hops, must be the wetness. smooth long flavor on it, very balanced and with almost no bitterness to speak of. just a warming hint of alcohol as it fades out. plenty of body and bubbles, and i consider this to e a perfect fall saturday afternoon beer. this series is always a lot of fun, i look for this one every fall.

 

 

22oz bottle.

Pours dark copper, almost amber with a half inch head of off-white.
A few streaks of lacing and a partial skim coat for the duration.

Aromatics are a blend of toffee-laced malt and piney hops with a hint of mint.

Medium bodied with a slightly syrupy mouthfeel.

Sweet malt leads off the palate with some mild bitterness and a hint of pine.

Finishes with some lingering caramel malt.

Given the name and style of this beer I'm left incredibly underwhelmed! Where's the hops?