In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated

89

Great Divide Brewing Company Hercules Double IPA

Aroma: “Floral with jasmine notes and a hint of lemon and lavender. Faint grassy notes and some grainy sweetness. Cloves, cinnamon, citrus peel, and honey—holiday festive. A toffee/biscuit-like malt sweetness.”

Flavor: “Initial toffee sweetness is balanced by some nice bitterness in the finish. Resinous, caramelly, evergreen, and bitter. Malt is enjoyable, though the bitterness comes off a bit harsh. As it warms, the bitterness becomes even harsher.”

Overall: “More malt-focused for a double IPA. Nice complexity and some complementary floral, earthy hops avors. An IPA for the holidays! This is like a cross between an IPA and an English winter warmer. More wintry than summery with a nice complexity driven by an earthy spiciness that leaves a bold impression.”

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