When looking for a new fresh IPA, America is not the only place to get your hop fix. With the focus of IPAs switching over from the deep resin and dank styles of the west coast and moving toward a more fruit and floral hop aroma and flavor, one can actually look to England.
When you grab an English IPA you more than likely would expect to be greeted with some earthy noble hops, but Thornbridge is here to throw you for a loop. Meet Kipling, a “South Pacific Pale Ale”. While not technically an IPA it packs a massive hop punch, a single hop beer highlighting the citrusy Nelson Sauvin varietal. Once you pour this magnificent ale you will immediately notice the aromas of grapefruit and orange peel arising from you glass, with its pale golden hue to match. You experience massive hop flavors with only a subtle bitterness, creating a perfectly balanced beer. Weighing in at only 5.2% (ABV) you have an extremely drinkable hoppy ale.
Jaipur moves you a rung or two further up the ladder. A slightly heftier malt bill with the addition honey takes your journey of hops to the next level. Extra fermentable sugars lends to the addition more hops! While still being very approachable and drinkable you are slammed with every citrusy aroma and flavor you can handle. Interweaving lemon and honey notes with a lingering bitterness lets you know you are consuming something substantial. At 5.9% (ABV), you won’t be done with your hop travels quite yet, but your crescendo is about peak.
At the top of the hop mountain that Thornbridge has presented us with is Halcyon. A 7.4% (ABV) double IPA that gives you all the bitterness and fruit flavors you could ask for. The rich malt base gives you a lightly bready but sweet backbone for the hops to play off of. This beer is an amalgamation hops. Starting with notes of mango, kiwi, grapefruit that change to pine and resin finishing on a somewhat earthy note. Every sip gives a deeper look into the complex array that this little flower has to offer. This is the pinnacle for all hop lovers.
Don’t be afraid to venture to the other side of the pond for your hop fix. You will be pleasantly surprised by what awaits you.
For more product information please visit Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewery