Sunday, February 22, 2009

The "Henge" Mystery Endures

Following the Albuquerque debut of the Bond Street Series with Hop Trip, Deschutes Brewing of Bend, OR introduces Hop Henge IPA to the area. Hop Henge is an 8.75 Double IPA that boasts 95 IBU. The beer has been reformulated this year, though I can't honestly say how it is different from last year's fresh batch, as I got some that was clearly on its last legs in 2008 and tasted old and malty. This year's version is dry hopped with Centennial and Cascade hops, but tastes different from any DIPA that I have tasted...still trying to figure out what makes this beer tick. It isn't overly hoppy or malty in any way; this beer is just different. Not in an Arrogant Bastard different way, where you can't really classify the beer but know you are getting kicked in the teeth with ingredients, but more in an Avery Ale to the Chief way, where you are drinking a DIPA, but the flavors are just so unfamiliar. Sorry to be vague but this is one of those beers that you have to try for yourself and see what you get out of it. Respected beer friend Marcus swears by this beer and may have emptied Albuquerque's supply by now...check Jubilation and see if they have any of the $6.99 bombers left. Let me know what you think!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I love it!!! Man I am about to finish my last one.