Gigantic Brewing Company Whole in the Head (#10) American Double / Imperial IPA at 8.5% ABV | 85 IBU (C$11.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, best before 29-Oct-2017, acquired 4-Aug-2017, reviewed 6-Aug-2017)
Appearance: hazy pale amber with two fingers of rocky ivory head, excellent retention and heavy, soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: citrus, grainy caramel, resiny pine, tropical fruit. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, off-dry mildly warming finish. (4/5)
Almost but not quite an old skool DIPA, where the malt dominates. Here, the malt is emphatic, but not dominant. Actually, I wonder if the original 2012 brew might represent the moment in time when that particular corner was turned? Sounds about right for the hop-forward revolution. (While we’re on the topic, I’m loving these re-releases of stuff that pre-dates my craft beer enlightenment. There was zero chance I could’ve gotten my hands on one of these in 2012, let alone appreciated it. Sometimes the universe seems to work in my favour…) The best aspect of this is probably the ABV integration: this thing does not feel as heavy as the 8.5% would suggest, and drinks quite easily. I’d like more definition and brighter hop presence on the nose, but overall this thing is still bangin’. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
