2XHOP'd

◎ Appearance

A bright golden-amber hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass with notable lacing. The beer displays lively carbonation that creates steady streams of bubbles rising through the liquid. The visual presentation is clean and inviting, characteristic of a well-executed Double IPA.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant tropical fruit—passionfruit and guava dominate, supported by stone fruit notes and a pronounced piney, resinous character from the hop blend. Beneath the tropical aromatics lies a subtle floral sweetness from the oat and wheat malt bill, grounding the bouquet. The hop-derived complexity is immediate and layered, with no yeasty or solvent notes.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with a burst of tropical stone fruit and citrus before the classic pine bitterness emerges in the mid-palate with earthy, resinous undertones. At 8.2% ABV, the alcohol is well-integrated and doesn't overwhelm the hop character; the 45 IBU provides structured bitterness rather than harshness. The malt sweetness—subtle hints of peach and caramel from the Cara 8—offers just enough body to support the aggressive hop profile without becoming cloying.

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with the pine and stone fruit notes persisting on the palate for several seconds. A gentle, drying bitterness carries through the aftertaste without astringency, leaving the mouth clean and ready for the next sip.