Smuttynose Brewing Co. Big A IPA
What the brewers say
“Big A IPA is now a year-round, full-time beer! We’ll be brewing it more frequently and in smaller batch sizes to keep it as fresh as possible. Big A IPA has everything you’d want in a double India Pale Ale, only more: more hops, more malt, more flavor!”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “More balanced in the nose than I’d expect: toasty malt and herbal hops. Lots of perfumy/floral esters, including some roses. Super clean and fresh. Lemon, orange, citrus fruit character. Slight malt sweetness. The net effect is more ESB than double IPA.”
Flavor: “Slightly sweet malt backbone supports the hops well. Bitterness is mild throughout for the style. Big hops flavor, with peaches, mango, and herbal elements (something Italian). There's a pronounced malty sweetness, but it acts as a counterweight to the bitterness.”
Overall: “Easy drinking and light on the palate for the style. Lacks some of the complexity that could be helped by a tweak to the malt bill. If the hops click for you, it’ll be great. Enjoyable with some sweet flavors, but didn’t blend the best.”
