Brewdog Hardcore IPA
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
Is this double/Imperial IPA, Hardcore in a good or a bad way?
This is Brewdog’s second incantation of the Hardcore IPA. It has a new & improved recipe and label as well as a slightly higher alcohol content of 9.2% over the original 9% variation. The new version of Hardcore took out the gold medal in the Imperial IPA category at the Brewers Association World Beer Cup in Chicago of April last year. The new version is said to be a double dry hopped monster, which is meant to be much darker with more malts than the previous release – unfortunately I can’t verify as I sadly don’t have access to the original Hardcore IPA which is now retired. Hardcore pours a blurry deep orange colour with a firm head of white foam which slowly subsides to leave lovely intricate lacing. The aroma is straight up fresh, hoppy, herbal like and all round pleasant to smell. For a brew of 9.2% alcohol this is exceptionally easy drinking and smooth on the palate. It has a hop filled earthy presence up front followed by a lingering bitterness and is an extremely well balanced with the three types of malt used in it. I couldn’t wait to for my next mouthful and now just wish I had more of it.
Hardcore DIPA is a solid brew for its style. My only regret with this particular beer was having it late at night and being too tired to truly enjoy it. Also considering a 330ml bottle set me back $7.50 this wasn’t the smartest move on my part. So there you have a Hardcore beer of 9.2% alcohol that won’t bite but may leave your taste buds wanting another bite or two!
Category : Beer Reviews, India Pale Ale