Firestone Walker Luponic Distortion Series

I had 003 at FW Venice last friday and its def my fave one so far. Crisp and fruity. I can definitely taste some Galaxy Hops with some peach and pineapple on the back end.

 

Grabbed some 003 over the weekend and have had a couple. It's OK - nothing I'd seek out again but would certainly be fine drinking if offered. I liked 001 much better.

 

Haven't heard anyone say anything about this but this was released in their taproom yesterday, with cans to be sold soon.

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NOW IN ROTATION: REVOLUTION NO. 004
NOVEMBER 7, 2016

Firestone Walker’s Luponic Distortion revolving hop series reaches firmly into the Southern Hemisphere with the release of Revolution No. 004 this month—a mind-bending mix of seven different hop varieties, led by a pair of experimental South African hops.

Luponic Distortion is not a single beer, but rather an ongoing series of beers that revolves approximately every 90 days. While the base beer always remains the same, each revolution features a different hop blend built around experimental hops, designed to showcase the growing possibilities of pure hop aromas and flavors.

Southern Serendipity

While each prior revolution of Luponic Distortion was inspired by Brewmaster Matt Brynildson’s own deliberate forays into the world of experimental hops, Revolution 004 originated from a more serendipitous discovery.

As Matt tells it, his brewmaster friend Rodger Davis of Faction Brewing recently shared some hops that he procured from South Africa for his own Western Cape IPA. Rubbing and smelling the hops, Matt was blown away—and sufficiently intrigued to start making some phone calls.

“I’ve worked with Southern Hemisphere hops from New Zealand and Australia, but South Africa wasn’t really on my radar until that moment,” Brynildson said. “South Africa is a bit outside the ideal growing belt, yet these hops presented these super explosive tropical qualities—every bit as interesting as what we’ve going on here. I was saying to myself, ‘Who’s the genius down there, I’ve got to find out.’”

He added, “Rodger warned me not to fall in love with these hops because there wouldn’t be enough for me to do anything on a sizeable scale. But it just so happened that my timing was perfect and I got some that were just coming off the shipping container. I told the supplier not to let me take all of the hops at the expense of other small brewers. So basically he sold me enough hops to do this one beer.”

Tropical Punch

Four South African hops take the lead in Revolution 004. Two are experimental hops with pronounced tropical fruit qualities, along with distinct white grape and floral notes. The third hop presents a lively passion fruit character, while the fourth is more classically noble in profile.

“Revolution 004 is a departure from the more citrusy stone fruit personality of Revolution 003, but as always you will sense common threads,” Brynildson said. “And once again, all of these bold fruit aromas and flavors are derived wholly from pure hops.”

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http://www.firestonebeer.com/press-room/index.php?id=72

 

Had 1-3 so far and enjoyed them all. This looks like another good one, waiting to see it land in AZ.

 

I've enjoyed them all on tap. Look forward to trying #004. It's going to be hard to beat #003!

 

I missed 001 but 002 and 003 were great.

 

I didn't like 003 nearly as much as I did 002. Looking forward to trying this one.

 

#004 just landed in Houston about a week ago. So far, I think its the best.

#001 was great. #002 was a poor follow-up and #003 was an improvement. I always make a point to pick up at least one 6-pack of each when theyre released. My girlfriend & I both agree #004 is worth having.

 

i just passed up #4 because of lackluster reviews elsewhere...kinda regretting it now. interested to hear more opinions.

 

Just picked up #4, enjoying it very much, had them all and looking forward to #5.

 

I don't think I've seen 004 in Chicago yet, but I'm looking forward to trying it. I've like all of them, but think 002 may have been the lowest in my mind, but they are all so easy to drink.

 

I've had all 4 and they are all very similar, if you like one of them, you'll probably like them all.

 

I've had all of them. 003 was my favorite, 004 is my least favorite.

 

Having 004 now. Definitely not the best offering. 002 and 003 take the cake.

 

I agree with the apparent consensus here, 2+3 were better. Still, I wouldn't kick 004 out of bed.

 

When was 003 released? I've seen tons of it on shelves around here lately, but haven't run across 004 at all. Wondering if it's better to get an older 3 or wait for a fresher 4.

 

Just as others have posted: for my palate 002 and 003 were the best so far.

I think that 004 is OK. I will not be buying another 6-pack.

Cheers!

 

Having had 1, 2, and 3, I gotta say I didn't think any of them were worth a second purchase. 1 in particular I felt was underwhelming in taste and nose, 2 was marginally livelier, 3 not much better. Maybe my expectations were too high? Wondering if I'm in the minority here with these Luponics...

 

I think my ranking is:

002 > 003 > 004 > 001

But I quite enjoy them all. They're not as full bodied as most IPAs, which is probably why it's not appealing to all people. But that allows the hops to shine.

 

Yup, that is indeed true.

Cheers!