Hop Henge Experimental IPA

Deschutes Brewery

Experimental? Yes...but darn tasty!

Reviewed by RD & MT

8.75% ABV

Colour: This double IPA poured a deep rich Amber with plenty of bright carbonation topped off with a pale yellow foamy head.

Nose: A big bouquet of bitter citrus hops and a healthy squeeze of grapefruit. Sappy and resinous. Sweet caramel scents from the malt and an orange bitterness like marmalade.

Taste: The taste is of very rich and sweet malt along with the effects of several pounds of Centennial and Cascade hops. A heavy dry-hop presence, chewy and bitter. Marmalade made with the finest Seville oranges and tart grapefruit. They are notes of mandarins too on the clean bitter aftertaste. A relatively heavy and sticky mouth feel make you think you are consuming something that is clearly bad for you.

Overall Experience: Hop Henge is a rather unique sweet and fruity IPA. Bags of super bitter hops, but still very enjoyable. The IBU’s are 90 and they are most certainly not hidden away. An up-front and aggressive beer. Big, juicy, chewy flavours and a complex and sumptuous nose.
Would I drink it again? Sure…if I could find it.

This bottle was one of a bunch that Rich at My Brewery Tap brought me back from the states. I urge you all to support MBT, they are helping small brewery’s sell their beers and all so making great beers available to us Beer Geeks. And Rich is a lovely guy.