Review - Maui Brewing Company's Big Swell IPA
"India Pale Ale was developed in Burton, England, as a "Super-Premium" hoppy pale ale around 1800. The extra strength in alcohol and hops helped preserve the beer on its long export journeys to India and beyond. The style developed a following worldwide. Its flavor begins with a smooth, malty creaminess followed with a big burst of dry-hop flavor from English Kent Golding Hops. It then finishes with a lingering yet pleasant bitterness." --Maui Brewing Company
Pours a light amber color producing a large white fizzy head that leaves some thin fizzy lacing with little staying power on the glass. Body is slightly hazy and very still. Aroma is full of moderate strength hops with fruity, perfume notes with a ton of spruce undertones. Initial taste is slightly bitter with a ton of spruce hop taste, curbing to slightly sweet yet still bitter finish. Medium bodied, it leaves a creamy mouthfeel with a smooth finish behind active carbonation.
Citrusy grapefruit notes cover the tongue leaving a hop wallop behind (not to be confused with Victorys Hop Wallop). Lingering spruce notes leave behind a lengthly impression of delicious hops without the harsh bitterness we usually associate with spruce-laden hops.
Reviewed on January 26th, 2009.
