Beer Review: Knee Deep Brewing Company Hoptologist

Started in June of 2010, Knee Deep Brewing Company (KDB) is relatively new to the brewing world, but has accomplished some incredible feats. One of the most impressive of which is KDB’s Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) Hoptologist, which in February 2012 won the 12^th annual Bistro Double IPA Festival. This is and would be an honor by itself, but what makes this so incredible is what came in 2^nd and 3^rd place. In 3^rd place was Stone Brewing-Ruination and 2^nd was the fabled Russian River-Pliny the Elder.  If this doesn’t set this beer up properly, I’m not sure what will.

Served: Bomber poured into a tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours an incredibly clear copper, with a huge head that stays around for the majority of the time it takes to drink the beer. This has to be one of the clearest beers I have ever seen and it makes for a wonderful brew to look at, maybe one of the best I have seen for a DIPA.

Aroma: A good balance of hops and malt with some rich caramel notes. The hops come off as pine and grapefruit, which go great with the malty aromas.

Flavor: The bitterness from the hops cuts through the flavors like a knife, tasting of pine and citrus. Once you start to settle into the beer, the malts have a sweetness to them that is a very pleasing contrast to the citrus and pine.

Mouth Feel: Super light body with a balanced carbonation, great for a refreshing DIPA.

Overall:  Hoptologist is an excellent example of how double IPAs can be light and refreshing with a huge hop finish. They don’t have to be heavy on malts and body, but can be just as fun as a light-bodied IPA.

Grade: A

-Tom