Well, I plum forgot! The beer has been drunk and a winner
has prevailed. It all seems so long ago now.
Because I take my beer drinking seriously, I take copious
notes of my endeavors and have the results ready.
ROUND 1
1-Dogfish Head 61 vs. 8-Big Eddy Imperial IPA
Dogfish Head is smooth yet earthy. It goes down easy and always leaving
me wanting another sip or glass. The grape musks takes the sting away from the
hoppiness but adds layers to it. A very well-balanced and good tasting beer. In comparison, an Imperial IPA is a bit too
much. Big Eddy has a rich thick honey taste and fills you up like home cookin’.
Subsequent to this taste tournament I was able to sit down with Big Eddy and
enjoy it on its own merits. But this is a competation and against DFH 61, it
was really no contest. Dogfish
Head 61into the semi-finals.
2 - Great Divide Hercules Double IPA vs. 7 - Fegley's Brew Works
Hop'solutely Triple IPA
Hop'solutely Triple IPA is another beer that may be a bit too much. Having said that, the trusty IPA glass works
wonders. The transition from bottle to glass takes the edge off. With the edges
smoothed out it is incredibly drinkable. However, Hercules, even though it is
from Colorado, comes across as a traditional west coast IPA. Powerful, strong,
and with a presence. The hops are heavy in this Double IPA and it linger son
your tongue. Both of these are well made and both have punch. Hop'solutely hads the heavier hands and that wasn’t quite
what I was looking for in this round. Hercules moves on.
3- Ass Kisser Double IPA vs. 6 - Brewery Ommegang Hop House Pale Ale
Two brews tasting for first time although Ommegang has the more familiar pedigree.
Ass Kisser provides a faint caramel aroma and goes down the gullet is easy
fashion. Hop House is smooth and light. The hops are prevalent but not
overwhelming. Well-balanced and well-crafted. This is a tough choice. Hop House
at a disadvantage because it is not a true IPA and it is going against a double
hopped one. Ass Kisser survives to be drunk another day.
4 - Breckenridge Small Batch 471 Double IPA vs. 5 - Stone Ruination IPA
The most difficult decision of Round 1. Both are excellent IPAs that I
will partake in a plentiful way in the future. Stone always seem to get the
short straw in these tourneys but both Stone IPAs featured here are great
beers. This time Breck 471 is just better.
SEMI-FINALS
Dogfish Head 61 vs. Ass Kisser Double
IPA
The balance of 61 prevails. It comes off as smooth, full yet light taste
compared to the double hoppiness of Ass Kisser. Both are eminently drinkable
and have fragrant beers that go great in the IPA glass. As mentioned above 61
always makes me want another. To the finals!
Great Divide Hercules Double IPA vs. Breckenridge Small Batch 471 Double
IPA
A double versus a double. Two Colorado beers that have a lot in common
with California west coast IPAs. Looks like we are playing on even ground. Close
match, here. Toe to toe. Both are strong, powerful and have excellent presence.
Breck 471 has that something extra. It
stays with you like a tender kiss. It lingers and provides a memory. This is
some beer. Breck 471 moves forward.
FINALS
Dogfish Head 61 vs. Breckenridge Small Batch 471 Double IPA
Extremely tough final. Two different IPAs yet they compete ferociously
with one another. The smoothness and flavor of 61 climbs ahead then the power
and persistence of Breck 471 begins t break from the pack. These two beers make
me glad I am a beer drinker. Both I can drink again and again. As a result of
this final I have a new favorite beer: Breckenridge Small Batch 471 Double IPA. Everything seems right about this beer. The
level of hoppiness, the flavor, the aftertaste, the slow buzz that creeps up on
you like pulling a blanket up to your chin on a chilly night. Breck 471
envelopes you and is comfortable to drink.
This was the third IPA taste Tourney.
Previous winners:
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