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Light Year

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Light Year is a double IPA that Grimm has brought back regularly since 2016, double dry-hopped with Galaxy, Columbus, Mosaic and Citra. Orange and pineapple lead in aroma and flavour, joined by the purple-fruit character typical of Southern Hemisphere hops, subtle pine and a strong dank, herbal backbone from the Columbus. The body is medium with a slightly oily texture, the alcohol well hidden, and a firm bitterness closes it out.

ABV
8.0%
Bitterness
Very bitter68 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
citrusyorangetropical
citrusy
orange
tropical
hoppy
dank
herbal
Aroma
The nose opens with prominent citrus: orange zest and tropical pineapple dominate the initial impression.
also:berry,piney,fruity
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Light Year

◎ Appearance

Light Year presents a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and bright luminosity. The head forms with good initial retention and leaves consistent lacing as the beer settles. Carbonation is crisp and well-integrated, supporting the visual liveliness throughout the glass.

pale goldenclearfirm head retention

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with prominent citrus: orange zest and tropical pineapple dominate the initial impression. Southern Hemisphere hop character emerges as purple fruit notes—plum and berry undertones—alongside subtle pine and a pronounced dank, herbal layer from Columbus that anchors the profile. The overall aromatic impression is clean and precise, without alcohol burn.

orange, pineapplepurple fruitdank herbaceoustropical citrus

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth despite the 8% ABV sitting comfortably beneath the surface. The mid-palate balances citrus and stone fruit with the same herbal-dank backbone evident on the nose, creating textural complexity. A firm bitterness builds toward the finish, crisp and clean rather than sharp, supported by the medium body's slightly oily mouthfeel.

herbal-bittercitrus forwardmedium-bodiedsmooth alcohol integration

◑ Finish

The finish extends with lingering bitterness and a dry herbal character that persists pleasingly. No harsh edges; the aftertaste remains balanced between residual citrus and the dank Columbus backbone.

dry herballingering bitterness
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
82
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Light Year

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About Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Double IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Double IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same citrusy, orange, tropical character as Light Year will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Double IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →