Style: New England-Style Imperial IPA

ABV: 8.2

98/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 20
Mouthfeel: 4

Two Roads Brewing Two Juicy

What the brewers say

“An unfiltered New England DIPA that uses generous amounts of Hallertauer Blanc, Citra, Mandarina Bavaria hops, resulting in notes of grapefruit, pine, lychee, orange, and tangerine against a soft malt backdrop.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Bright tropical flavors, mango, papaya, pineapple, and passion fruit. Light malt sweetness that just enhances the intense fruitiness. Interesting notes of pine and onion mixed with light floral notes. Very intriguing.”

Flavor: “The intense fruitiness from the aroma continues into the flavor. If the color weren’t golden straw, I might be convinced I was drinking Hawaiian Punch. Just a slight amount of bitterness on the back end provides a nod to the base style ‘IPA,’ but the hops flavor is the star. For as fresh as the hops flavors are, there is little hops bite or yeasty burn common in rushed versions of this style.”

Overall: A beautifully intense juicy hops-forward beer that captures the style expertly without falling prey to some of the pitfalls of the style. Very drinkable.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: IPA Today (August-September 2017) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Two Roads S.H.O.P. Series Pale Ale

Aroma: “Lemon and orange peel with a touch of pine at first and then intense mango and pineapple aromas from the hops. Some grassy and herbal, slightly dank notes appear once the initial fruit dissipates. Subtle light bready malt background.” Flavor: “Light, clean, simple body. Hops bitterness slightly overpowers the malt and lingers. Same citrus and pine as in aroma. Aftertaste is dry with a moderate lasting of hop spiciness. Overall: “This beer pushes the bounds and rides the edge of the IPA style now that IPAs are embracing lower perceived bitterness levels. Still, the earthy and spicy hop profile is complex, and a moderate carbonation gives it a good bite. Easy drinking and refreshing.”

Two Roads Brewing Co. Igor’s Dream

**Aroma:** “An interesting combination of roasted malt and subtle floral, juicy hops notes. Medium dark chocolate blends well with vanilla from the barrel and is delicately accentuated by bright fruity esters (cherry, pineapple, orange). Sweet but slightly bitter. Slight bourbon and some oak character.” **Flavor:** “A surprisingly unique citrus and chocolate combination with a decent amount of roast added for good measure. Some nice barrel characteristics (vanilla), but they only enhance the wild show going on between whatever hops these brewers are using and the delicious chocolatiness they’ve developed.” **Overall:** “One of the most unique barrel-aged stouts I’ve ever enjoyed. The curious use of juicy hops doesn’t distract but enhances the rich stout and barrel flavors already present. Well crafted! Really enjoyed the orange/pineapple esters which are not typical of the style.”

La Cumbre Brewing Company Elevated IPA

**Aroma:** “A grove of evergreen orange trees. A touch of toffee-like malt, but the aroma always comes back to the hops—citrusy with low pine in the background and low malt sweetness.” **Flavor:** “Orange and pine carry over from the aroma and saturate the flavor profile. Clean hops flavors, a kiss of caramel, and a nicely balanced bitterness make a beautiful impression on the palate. A drier IPA with fruit notes of grapefruit and lime. Low malt note to round out the flavor. The carbonation and lime notes at the end create a surprising bite, but not in a bad way. Almost a slight hint of a roast character. The juiciness of this beer is alluring.” **Overall:** “Just a nice IPA. The hop profile is simple but admirably executed. Grapefruit and citrus lemon notes with an mild onion note that lingers in the background and adds depth without overpowering the taste. The juicy character of the hops is really enjoyable in this beer. A great American IPA that I would drink any time—a solid go-to.”

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