Style: IPA

ABV: 6.5 IBU: 60.0

90/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	17
Mouthfeel:	4

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers Big Daddy IPA

What the brewers say

“A generously dry-hopped yet drinkable American-style IPA. The beer is a golden straw color with tight carbonation and a slightly off-white head that leaves a lovely lacing. The aroma is floral, fresh grass, pine needles, grapefruit, and some subtle notes of fresh bread.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Floral and citrus hops notes up front with just a bit of dankness to add complexity. Lots of pear-like yeast-derived esters.”

Flavor: “Citrus and pine notes up front with hints of tangerine and lemon. Moderate hops bitterness. Light caramel sweetness. A cracker-like malt body, with mineral bitterness.”

Overall: “An interesting departure from normal hops flavors—more of a lemongrass and much more earthy. Finish is dry and crisp. Well-executed classic version of an IPA with a nice dialed back bitterness to make it drinkable and enjoyable.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: The United States of IPA (February-March 2016) (View All Issues)

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“Notes of orange, lemon, and a touch of passion fruit mix with pine and a hint of caramel malt in the aroma. Vibrant citrus notes pop off the palate. The citrus-and-pine flavor battle plays out atop a sufficiently sweet malt body, allowing their bitterness to shine. Alcoholic heat isn’t harsh.”

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**Aroma:** “Fruity and spicy. Citrus notes followed by catnip. Fresh-mown lawn along with pineapple, banana, and a light earthy/woody base. Could benefit from a stronger nose.” **Flavor:** “Smooth malt, slightly sweet. Full body for a session-strength beer. Coconut, pineapple, black tea, and hints of toast. Bitterness is supportive but not overpowering. Finish is balanced between hops flavor, bitterness, and a light malt. Moderate fruity esters.” **Overall:** “Firm bitterness lingers just long enough. Nice mix of fruity hops and esters with a medium-sweet malt base. Just a bit of butter in the finish detracts from drinkability. An okay session IPA with acceptable hops character, but a touch watery and one-dimensional relative to others in the category. Seems more like a normal pale ale than a session IPA, but that’s just an arbitrary distinction.”

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