As I’m writing this review, a magical dusting of snow is falling around the Portland area while a gentle wind is causing us northwesterners to zip our North Face jackets up tight.
Like usual when anything other than rain falls from the sky, the city and surrounding areas go crazy. Schools shut down just at the word snow, cars wreck for no other reason than a few rogue flakes falling from the sky, and everyone seems to leave work early.
I’m sure most people from places such as Canada, Minnesota, North Dakota, Maine and Alaska would laugh loudly at the absurdity that ensues when we get an inch or two of snow.
Luckily for us, the good people at Alaskan Brewing Co. in Juneau know what being cold is all about. To survive during these frigid times, they recently released the newest addition to their year round line-up, Hopothermia Double IPA.
Fortunately for me I was able to snag one of their 4-packs to test it out in this wintery “storm” we’re having.
First lets talk about the label. I love a good design, and the simplicity of this gray, white and green design makes me happy. A frozen hop cone to form the “O” in hop is very creative and adds to the appeal.
The beer pours a glowing reddish orange color with a thick off white head that sticks around awhile. It’s like a beacon of light shines brightly from the glass tempting you to take a drink.
This is a beer that I would love to see turned into a cologne as I was lost in the aroma. A touch of piney hops shine through the dramatic burst of citrus with plenty of apricot, mangoes, pineapples, and caramel-like sweet malt throughout.
Following the aroma, the flavor is packed with citrus and piney hops, tropical fruits, and a huge malt backbone that balances out the entire beer beautifully. With the use of Nugget, Apollo, Amarillo, Citra, and Centennial hops, hop heads everywhere should enjoy this beer.
This beast of a beer has a full body that feels full and smooth in your mouth.
As my glass diminished, I definitely noticed that it did a stellar job of warming me up. Well, the 8.5% ABV helped.
If you’re lucky enough to be in one of the 15 states that Alaskan distributes in, definitely give Hopothermia a try.
For those looking to pair it with food, they suggest drinking it alongside wild game, Thai food, sharp cheeses, bitter green salads and gourmet pizzas.
I’ll leave you with this poem that they included in the packaging:
There are strange brews made where glaciers cascade
By the brewers who know no bounds.
For they stuff in the hops ’til the temperature drops
And then call for a few more rounds.
In Alaska, it seems, every brewer dreams
of a bold Double IPA.
Hopothermia’s the beer, in the Last Frontier
That will keep the wild wolves at bay.
ABV: 8.5%
IBUs: 70
Style: Double IPA
What’s your thoughts on Alaskan Hopothermia Double IPA?
