Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental IPA

Big thanks to Ryan and his sister, Ashley, for getting some west coast beers to Georgia for me...this is only the first of many from this awesome package.

Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental IPA is not quite what an IPA; however, it definitely is "experimental." At 8.5% ABV it is considered imperial, but there isn't the slightest hint of booze. Hop Henge is very mild for a west coast IPA, and while on the citrus side of the spectrum, there is a syrupy sweetness (think tropical fruit - pineapple, etc.) that destroys the hop bitterness. The balance here is incredible and rivals some of the best balanced hoppy beers on the market (its not Pliny, though so don't get too excited). All praise aside, this just isn't my gig. Mrs. ohtheguilt just had a big sip and thoroughly enjoyed it (she had similar fruit and sweetness thoughts), but it doesn't have the hop bitterness that I love so much. That said, the execution of this beer is near perfect...Deschutes is a pretty bad-ass brewery.

ohtheguilt Ba score = 4.5 out of 5.0