“Born of the planet Hoptom, this is a Super VPA sent to planet earth to make the world a better place. The powers of hops will give strength to all those who imbibe. Brewed for GABS 2017.”
Glassware: Shaker.
Appearance: Cloudy orange with pastel yellow highlights. An inch of white foam emerges before shrinking to a thin overlay. Laced well.
Aroma: Bursting with a few different takes on lemon. The most discernible would be this honey & lemon strepsil note which is a little too artificial and cloying for our liking. There’s also the subtle hint of fresh lemon pulp and a flutter of zest here and there. Pine needles, fresh herbs and a super sweet honey malt filling it out.
Flavour: Punchy yet sweet…driven by the candied lemon, pine/spruce, herbs, citrus and passionfruit. We can’t ignore this mild menthol character as well. Grapefruit, citrus peel and pine resins finish with a honey malt sweetness which draws out on the back palate.
Mouthfeel: Slick and somewhat gelatinous. Well concealed AbV (8.5%) and an approachable 48 IBU. The co2 is quite low – this could be the reason why it’s sitting so heavily in the stomach.
Overall: Look it’s not a bad drop it’s just not for us. This cloying sweetness it carries throughout the whole experience is a turn off. Oh well…can’t win em all.