Once I read the description on the bottle, I was pretty sure I was going to like this beer: “Brewed with 4 varieties of hops and 3 types of malts”. They had me at the hops!

Southern Tier, out of Lakewood, NY, makes some of my favorite seasonal beers, including the Hop Sun and Pumking (I’ll let you figure out which seasons those beers are available). But it’s so good, I’m glad that the 2XIPA is more readily available.

The pour is a clear orange. The smell… mmm, the smell! It’s what I always say I want to get a scratch-and-sniff tattoo of – pine and citrus hops. If you know how I can accomplish this, please get in touch! The taste follows – a nice, hoppy up front followed by some sweet maltiness. A really good balance, with the alcohol well hidden, which is somewhat surprising given that this comes in at 8.3% ABV. There’s definitely bitterness and a dry finish, but that’s how I like my beers.

This is a big beer, with some bold flavors, and I won’t even pretend it’s a session beer, but it’s one well worth a try if you like the double IPAs.
 

12.16.10

About the Author:
Helene is a craft beer enthusiast who aims to educate women (and men) about the wonderful world of craft beer. In addition to reviewing beers and bars on Drink Philly, she writes beer-related musings on her blog, Philly Beer Girl. You can also follow Helene on Twitter, where she tweets way too often - and at odd times - about what she's drinking.