DIPA Blind Tasting

Discussion in 'The Bar' started by Nick_Bousquet, Dec 11, 2014.

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  1. Nick_Bousquet

    Nick_Bousquet Initiate (0) Sep 17, 2014 Virginia

    So I am setting up a DIPA blind tasting soon for some friends and I was hoping for some suggestions. Basically I am wondering a few things, which are:

    Are DIPAs just TOO strong for a blind tasting? Will your palette be so overwhelmed after the first few tastes that the rest are completely skewed?

    What would you recommend for palette cleansing between tastes? I was thinking oyster crackers and water but other suggestions are appreciated.

    What is the ideal number for this tasting? I was thinking four to six beers.

    Lastly, here are the beers competing for slots in the tasting. I do not have access to Heady unfortunately, but I was very lucky to be able to trade for some Pliny to treat my buddies, none of them have ever had it so this will be exciting for them. I plan on having no beers at the tasting over 2 months old, the fresher the better of course. Anyhow here is the list of finalists:

    Pliny the Elder
    OTWOA     - this is local so I can prob get it
    90 Minute - It just makes sense to have the most reviewed beer on BA in the tasting
    Sucks
    Hop Ranch     - A personal favorite of mine, and only if it is out in the area in time
    Dirt Wolf
    Double Jack     - If I can find it fresh enough
    Ruination - Just a classic

    I plan on reporting the results back to you guys if there is an interest. There will be six people drinking the beers ranging from beginner to experienced in the craft world, but all enjoy the hobby. Thanks for looking and cheers!
     
    #1 Nick_Bousquet, Dec 11, 2014
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  2. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam


    Probably too many beers assuming your goal is a comparative sampling rather than just a social event.

    As for palate cleansing, be sure to have plenty of glasses for fresh water on hand as well so people can both hydrate and rinse with water. (I personally think that unchlorinated spring water works best.)

    The best palate cleansers are pretty much unsalted crackers or pretzels. Anything salted is a palate changer but not a cleanser.
     
    #2 drtth, Dec 11, 2014
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  3. PatrickInAustinTx

    PatrickInAustinTx Savant (1,088) Nov 16, 2013 Texas
    Trader

    I tried doing this once last year. I suggest small pours and no more than 5 DIPA's because even then your pallet gets blown out. You're better off doing 3-4 of the best ones vs all of those.

    White bread and water work well for pallet cleansers
     
    #3 PatrickInAustinTx, Dec 11, 2014
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  4. Nick_Bousquet

    Nick_Bousquet Initiate (0) Sep 17, 2014 Virginia

    Thanks for the input, I didn't plan on including all those beers, just between 4 and 6 of them. Those listed are just in the running right now, and I am always open to other suggestions too. Good call on the salted vs non-salted crackers too, never thought of that.
     
    #4 Nick_Bousquet, Dec 11, 2014
  5. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    Heres some more background/suggestions on doing a blind tasting at home.

    http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...nd-taste-testing-at-home.212034/#post-2787233
     
    #5 drtth, Dec 11, 2014
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  6. IPAGeorge

    IPAGeorge Pundit (863) Oct 28, 2014 Illinois

    Agree. 4-5 are prob the magic numbers divided by 6 people.

    Water and unsalted crackers sounds good.
    You seem to be pretty prepared and informed.:sunglasses:

    If you can get some Ca$h Money by 4Hands it's an excellent DIPA. Also if you would be interested in so Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn or Nelson Sauvin I could prob help you out there. There's just so many great DIPA's. Myself i'd prob take 90 minute off. I think there are so many better. Have fun!:slight_smile:. Do post results:wink:
     
    #6 IPAGeorge, Dec 11, 2014
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  7. ILMbrew

    ILMbrew Initiate (0) Nov 23, 2013 North Carolina

    We did a similar tasting with five people about a month ago. We had about 3-6 ounces of Heady, Enjoy By, 90 minute, Sucks and Hop Drop n Roll all at the same time. It was a bit much to have them all in front of you at once but I wanted to be able to taste side by side and back and forth if need be. Sucks was the surprise of the night, coming in at the top of most of our lists.
     
    #7 ILMbrew, Dec 11, 2014
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  8. insearchofhops

    insearchofhops Initiate (0) Apr 3, 2014 Massachusetts

    Water and unsalted pretzels should be fine. Also you may want to consider brewing some coffee just to whiff so as to cleanse your "aroma palate"

    As for choosing the beers, I would make sure that you only include ones that are very close in freshness. It doesn't seem valid to compare a one-week-old DIPA vs a one-month-old (or older) DIPA.
     
    #8 insearchofhops, Dec 11, 2014
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  9. IPAGeorge

    IPAGeorge Pundit (863) Oct 28, 2014 Illinois

    That doesn't surprise me with he others but i've never had Heady. But I do think Sucks is better than all those anyway. That's why we do these things I guess. And it's fun :stuck_out_tongue:
     
    #9 IPAGeorge, Dec 11, 2014
  10. FaradayUncaged

    FaradayUncaged Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2014 Michigan

    So how did this go?


    Given the recent release and hopeful procurement of Chillwave next week, I'm planning on doing a similar tasting with what I have available to me:

    GLBC Chillwave
    Bell's HopSlam
    OddSide Double Crooked Tree
    Evil Twin Molotov Cocktail
    Victory Dirt Wolf

    And perhaps DFH 90 Minute and a Stone offering thrown in there.
     
    #10 FaradayUncaged, Feb 24, 2015
  11. Highbury09

    Highbury09 Initiate (0) Aug 11, 2014 North Carolina

    I think 4 beers is the perfect amount. I'd love to do Pliney, Dinner, Heady Topper, and Sucks.
     
    #11 Highbury09, Feb 24, 2015
  12. 5thOhio

    5thOhio Pooh-Bah (1,571) May 13, 2007 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    But Hop Drop & Roll isn't a DIPA; the rest are.
     
    #12 5thOhio, Feb 24, 2015
  13. cincysig

    cincysig Pundit (755) Sep 15, 2010 Connecticut

    I am open to invitations to the following rounds of DIPA tastings (all 5's to my palate):

    Round 1 -- Heady, Dinner, Abrasive
    Round 2 -- Pliny, Vicinity, King Sue (have not had King Sue yet)
    Round 3 -- Abner, Double Sunshine, Swish
    Bonus Round -- Heavy Mettle, Society & Solitude, Keene Idea (have not had any of these)
     
    #13 cincysig, Feb 24, 2015
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