Boulder Beer Company Hoopla Pale Ale
What the brewers say
“A collaboration among Boulder Beer brewers and Kyle Hollingsworth, keyboardist of The String Cheese Incident, Hoopla Pale Ale is dry hopped with generous amounts of Glacier hops for a fruity, floral hops aroma and flavor.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Moderate hops aroma is restrained with relatively mild citrus hops character of orange and grapefruit and some light caramel, biscuit, and toast notes. Juicy citrus peel with notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and tangerine. Hops dominate.”
Flavor: “A moderate hops bitterness, balanced by a decent malt backbone and slight mineral character. Light on the body and the juicy orange and bitter grapefruit hops character carries through to a dry and crisp finish. Balanced and just slightly bitter but doesn't linger long in the finish.”
Overall: “It doesn't take many risks, but this pale ale showcases the hops with a tasty hops backbone. It finishes slightly juicy and sweet, which leads to the next sip. While not quite as exciting as other examples, this is a well-executed APA with an accessible hops profile and just the right amount of bitterness—a great APA that is worth seeking out.”
