Review - Great Divide Brewing Company's Hercules Double IPA
"Hoppier, maltier and with more alcohol than a standard IPA, Hercules Double IPA definitely is not for the faint of heart. Hercules Double IPA is, however, an elixir fit for the gods. A brash but creamy wonder, Hercules pours a deep orange-coppery color, forming substantial lace in the glass. Hercules Double IPA delivers a huge amount of piney, floral, and citrusy hop aroma and flavor from start to finish. A hefty backbone of nutty, toffee-like malt character balances Hercules’ aggressive, punchy hop profile." -- Great Divide Brewing Co.
We had to restrain ourselves from diving right into this one. Even before the pour was complete, the big bottle unleashed a brilliant bouquet of citrus hops with orange and pine notes. Heavy hop presence. It pours a light amber color with an average fizzy white head. Excellent lacing as the head falls down. Sparkling body with zesty carbonation. Despite its heavy alcohol content, Hercules is a silent killer, in that it does not at all let on that it is creeping over 9% in ABV. Initial taste is at the same time sweet and bitter, but in true IPA fashion, the balance quickly shifts to a heavy dose of bitter. Light to medium on the mouth with an oily feel, lively carbonation and, finally, a presence of alcohol.
Reviewed on March 28th, 2006.
| Type: | IPA |
| ABV: | 9.1% |
| Source: | 22 oz. Bottle |
| Score: | 23/30 |
