Left4Beer: Double Decker IPA (Vancouver Island)

Friday, February 4, 2011

Double Decker IPA (Vancouver Island)

I was warned by Jeff that this was not a VIB hopbomb. He said they were going for a 55IBUish English style IPA; something with a little more malt. It is hard to complete in the Victoria IPA hop-slap arena. Everybody makes one: some are good and some are bad. This one puts a new twist on it. It very refreshing to see a new twist on an overdone beer category.

Double Decker IPA (Vancouver Island) = 7/10

The nose really does not give much away: very subdued. There was maybe a little hint of bready/caramel malts and floral/citrus hops. The sip is hop assertive up front; more of the floral and herbal variety. After the bite is gone, a wash of sticky bun malts coats every dental filling. It all ends with an off dry and effervescent residue. Imagine a hop infused bubblegum, that is the last taste sensation. Not a lot of linger, but you crave the next sip. This is not a palate shocking IPA, but it will appeal to everyone. Well done Chris.

Taste +3
Aftertaste +1
Alcohol Content +1 6.5%
Value +1
Appearance +1

Brockton IPA (Granville Island)
Russell IP'eh
Ranger IPA

4 comments:

Basement Brewer said...: So this is in stores then I take it? What do you think of releasing a "British IPA" and then using Cascade hops?; February 4, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Unknown said...: It is the VIB store currently but will roll out to stores very soon. A British IPA with PNW Cascade hops is a great idea. Take a traditional style and add our West Coast flair to it. Beer styles are suggestions.; February 5, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Anonymous said...: I dunno. It was Pipers with a slightly higher alcohol content.
-Lon; February 8, 2011 at 7:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Pipers? Nah. This is sharper, fresher, more interesting, and certainly leaves a better and longer finish.; February 11, 2011 at 4:47 PM