Great Notion

I would say you have that backwards. I think a tongue-peeling hop bomb is more like the coffee with cream and sugar, rather than a more balanced option.

 

Weird. I didn't notice him mention the words "tongue-peeling hop bomb" or the word "balanced". His comparison makes a lot more sense than yours.

 

All i'm saying is its easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over IPAs being bitter. You can like IPAs without wanting them to be too bitter. There are many one note IPAs out there that are bitter with little else to show. That, to me, is more comparable to an adulterated cup of coffee.

Not to mention the various types of "IPA". Growing up in the UK, I would love to see what you think of English IPAs.

 

You're just putting words in his mouth. All the things you're refuting are things he didn't say.

 

Ok, some people don't want bitter. IPA is not synonymous with bitter.

Is that putting words in his mouth? I just think its a little crass to insinuate that people who don't like overly bitter IPAs are the equivalent of people who load their coffee with cream and sugar.

 

That's fine if some people don't want bitter. They're akin to the people who want coffee (you know, as he stated) that doesn't taste like coffee. His analogy could not have been better. And yes, an IPA by definition is bitter:
Flavor: Hop flavor is medium to high, and should reflect an American hop character with citrusy, floral, resinous, piney or fruity aspects. Medium-high to very high hop bitterness, although the malt backbone will support the strong hop character and provide the best balance. Malt flavor should be low to medium, and is generally clean and malty sweet although some caramel or toasty flavors are acceptable at low levels. No diacetyl. Low fruitiness is acceptable but not required. The bitterness may linger into the aftertaste but should not be harsh. Medium-dry to dry finish. Some clean alcohol flavor can be noted in stronger versions. Oak is inappropriate in this style. May be slightly sulfury, but most examples do not exhibit this character.

http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style14.php

EDIT to add: accidentally posted the English description and changed it to the American IPA description.

 

Ok, but this really depends on what your definition of bitter is. I'm sure the Great Notion beer (I haven't tried it, so forgive me if i'm wrong here) is exponentially more bitter than many traditional English IPAs that i've tried. Do you think West Coast IPAs are what all IPAs should taste like? I have British friends who upon trying West Coast IPAs have hated them. But they continue to drink the cask IPAs they are accustomed to. Are they the equivalent of coffee drinkers who load up on cream and sugar?

 

There are two separate styles for American IPA's and English IPA's so that's completely a moot point. I also disliked American IPA's when I first tried them. The bitterness was too much for me. Instead of looking for a training wheels style IPA, I moved on to other things that I actually liked and eventually came back to the style when I was ready.

 

I didn't even see you ask me the question about English IPA's. I actually love English styles, and visit a local brewery weekly that specializes in session style English Ales, serving them only via cask in their taproom.

 

I've found i've gone the opposite way. When I first got into it, the hoppier the better. As my tastes evolved, i'm looking for more than that. I've had IPAs all over the map bitterness wise, and never have I thought "hmm, this isn't as much like an IPA because its not that bitter". It just allows over nuances to shine through. Again, to each his own, I just think it was a shoddy analogy.

 

Didn't want to completely derail this thread (but unfortunately did). I think many people just have different notions (no pun intended) of what an IPA should taste like, which is fine.

 

Again, you're reading things that simply are not there. I never said I reached a spot of "hoppier the better", so you didn't go the opposite way from me. It just took me time to appreciate bitterness period.

I do think though, that a proper example of an American style IPA should have some bitterness. The IPA's without bitterness lack the dry finish that I look for in such brews. I almost feel like making an American IPA without bitterness for folks that can't handle bitter, would be like making a 9% ABV Pilsener aged in bourbon barrels for those that find regular pilseners "boring".

 

They are not exponentially more bitter. Try 'em if you get the chance.

 

Shrug. We disagree.

 

I'll be in Portland next month so I will be for sure. Hope it didn't come across as looking for a fight, just agree to disagree I guess

 

Having had Juice Box for the first time this past weekend during a share, a number of us ended up in a discussion akin to what's taking place here. Taking into account some of the recent "IPAs" coming out of the North East - you know which ones - we were all left wondering how they should really be classified. They certainly belie the standard definition or expectations of an IPA. We ended up terming them Juice PAs. I believe that's what we'll be calling them from now on.

Regardless of categorization, it was a great beer. Price point was addressed and we all agreed it seemed reasonable, but we're not as spoiled in Seattle as our friends to the south.

 

My friends and I jokingly refer to them as "juice."

 

This place blew my expections....fun. how ever kids on opening day.... who were unsupervised. Not cool. Running around. Several nearly tripped me spilling my golden beer on unsuspecting victoms. The beer was whimsical and a short walk from Salt and straw.

 

Really glad to hear this! You guys are making great beer, so it will be nice to hopefully have more of your stuff regularly on tap.