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Abrasive

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Abrasive is Surly's legendary double IPA, Minnesota's first, and a nod to the abrasives factory where the brewery began. A massive dose of Citra launches it into the hophead stratosphere, with Warrior for bittering. Hazy gold at 9.2% ABV, brewed at 19.5 degrees Plato with 2-row, Golden Naked Oats and flaked oats. The brewery tags it Aggressive, Fruity and Bold.

ABV
9.2%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppyfruitycitrusy
hoppy
fruity
citrusy
Aroma
The nose is dominated by bright citrus notes from Citra hops—grapefruit zest and tangerine predominate, with underlying herbal and pine undertones.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Abrasive

◎ Appearance

Abrasive presents a hazy golden hue with substantial turbidity from suspended yeast and grain particles. The head is dense and persistent, clinging to the glass with fine white lacing that marks each sip. Vigorous carbonation creates an active, textured visual presence throughout.

hazy goldenpersistent white headfine lacingcloudy suspension

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by bright citrus notes from Citra hops—grapefruit zest and tangerine predominate, with underlying herbal and pine undertones. Soft malt sweetness emerges from the oat bill, adding a subtle grainy-creamy backdrop. Modest ethanol warmth rounds the aromatic profile without overwhelming.

grapefruit zestherbal pinecreamy oatscitrus-forward

◐ Taste

The palate enters with bold, juicy citrus fruit and a full, oily mouthfeel carried by oats and 2-row malt. Mid-palate builds into sustained bitterness from Warrior bittering hops—resinous and assertive, yet balanced by lingering citrus fruit. At 9.2% ABV, the alcohol integrates cleanly, lending warmth without harsh spirits character.

juicy citrusresinous bitternessoily fullnessalcohol warmth

◑ Finish

The finish is long and drying, with lingering citrus bitterness that fades gradually into a piney, herbal echo. Residual sweetness from the oat malt provides modest counterpoint, preventing excessive harshness.

long dry finishpiney aftertastebitter fade
87
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
89
Appearance
85
Finish
84
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 Abrasive

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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 hoppy, fruity, citrusy character as Abrasive 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 →