“Hopsmith is a ‘West Coast’ style IPA and all about the hops. Triple dry-hopped, the all American grown hop varieties are allowed to shine with citrus, pine, fruity notes and a nice dry, bitter finish.”
Served in an IPA glass. Amber-orange in appearance with a two finger head that holds its shape well. She works a healthy lace down the glass as we imbibe.
Straight away the olfactory’s are humming with fresh, tropical scents of pineapple, mango, passion fruit and grapefruit. Fleeting hints of pine needle are pushing through as well but the other incredibly fragrant character happening is the big and sweet caramel malts that offers not only a brilliant balance but an indulgent toffee sweetness. Quite musky too. Really solid aroma here.
The hefty malt bill that offers gorgeous aromas also provides the mouth feel with a silky smooth texture. Nice moderate body with a contained all round bitterness (60 IBU). 7.2% ABV is extremely well masked.
Brilliant continuation on to the palate – an explosion of tropical fruits and sweet, chewy caramels carry in to a nice, drying bitterness midway. A slight warmth from the booze is introduced as the tropical fruits, pine and caramel malts reconvene and go the length on the long dry finish.
Superb drop from Akasha. This would no doubt have to be one of, if not, THE signature beer for the brewery. It’s boozy but it doesn’t overpower which allows the magnificent fruity hops and sweet sugary malts to tussle it out. Somehow it’s sessional too, although we wouldn’t recommend it unless has a few Panadol handy. Impressive stuff.