Surly Todd the Axe Man

Aroma: Bright caramel malts up front with a significant focus on the malt. Medium herbal hop character that reminds us of tea. Malt all day. Flavor: Huge herbal hop character up front very similar to unsweetened black tea. Crystal malts really balance the hop bitterness but is an interesting competition it seems between the sweetness and the hop bitterness. Finishes extremely dry with a really resin and herbal hop character. Overall: Overly dry with a really herbal character that is somewhat off putting. The malt sweetness does provide a slight refuge but it is very short lived. The black herbal/burnt herbal character dominates.

“Fantastic hop character from start to finish. Prominent pineapple, grapefruit hops. Nice notes of guava, passion fruit, ripe mango. A bit light in body; tropical and grapefruit pith flavors dominate. Fairly bitter finish works well with the hop aroma and flavor. Almost chewy with a rich creamy mouth, but not particularly sweet.”

**Aroma:** “Earthy, piney, grassy hops notes. Hint of biscuit malt. Orange peel, lemon-drop candy, hints of scallions, melon, very subtle grainy malt notes. Overall suggestion is of brightness.” **Flavor:** “Initial punch of fruity hops flavor that diminishes quickly. Tropical fruit on the tongue more than in the nose. Substantial evergreen character is a nice surprise. Good creamy mouthfeel adds to the overall palate character. Bitter finish is grapefruity and smooth. Malt plays a supporting role but doesn’t get in the way. The green-onion note sits on the tongue through the finish. A lot of spruce and pine notes.” **Overall:** “Moderately malty IIPA, very strong on the pine/resin side with a touch of citrus on the nose. A deceptively drinkable double IPA! Great blend of classic American IPA character along with some New-World flavors that make for a delightful tasting experience.”