Many years ago the scratch series had its genesis at Troegs brewing company. The series, by disclaimer, is purportedly a way to test out new and experimental hops and brewing techniques. I have noticed, however, a fairly obvious trend with this series.

Before the regular offering Perpetual IPA launched, a large number of ipa styles dominated the scratch list. Before La Grave released, a curious amount of scratches were triples. And now that Jovial has been bottled, I am hardly surprised by the amount of dubbers that have been part of the recent scratch lineup.

Have these scratch offerings been poor? Not at all. But it does strike me as odd to announce a series as experimental and using special techniques to develop and try making new beers if the real desired result is the launching of a new beer.

Certainly I’m not in charge of the marketing for Troegs, nor am I responsible for producing the product and developing a new item to add to the beer lineup. I do wonder how the final product is approved. Is the desired recipe the result of the rate of sale in the tap-room and at the general store? Does Troegs check Untappd or Beer Advocate to determine which varietal has the best ratings? Maybe an impromptu gathering of experts or enthusiasts samples a few of the scratches and says “yay” or “nay?” Perhaps its simply a result of the brewers and Troegs employees voting on which they like most?

I have found this “scratch” approach applied at another of my favorite local brew locations. The “hop test” series seems to emulate, on a smaller scale, this allegedly experimental process. The “hop test” is found at Pizza Boy brewing. This particular run of supposed one-off beers strikes me as a bit more enigmatic, however.

The “hop test” run, unless I’ve missed something, is comprised entirely of the ipa style. I have liked many of these in the series, dating back to Pizza Boy’s old site at the smaller Al’s of Hampden locale right up the street. Some of my favorites include the black ipa version of Hopgasm, the triple columbus, Mental, and the scotch bonnet and nuts version. While I’ve had my favorites and have voiced my palate pleasure upon experiencing these ibu heavyweights, I realize that I am but one voice. I believe I am correct in assuming that the current mainstay West Shore ipa is a result of this “hop test” creation process, but I oft wonder what could have been with many of the others?

I wonder how these one offs could see resurgence? Could this be achieved through voting on the online review forums? Perhaps, through monitoring the rate of sell-through at Pizza Boy? Perhaps a ballot voting system could be put into the mix to let the consumers have input as opposed to simply taking what is up on the board? Or maybe I am totally mistaken and am completely missing some element to the process?

In any case, I’m still going to try them, and in most cases really enjoy them! I just hate to have that experience of discovering a new tantalizing beer, only to find that it was simply an experiment, or even a fluke, and I’ll never taste it again.

Columbus (Hop Test #1) Pizza Boy Brewing – This double ipa from Pizza Boy is part of the previously highlighted series. And yes, it is extremely tasty. I’m enjoying this one via an imperial pint glass, well, just because. This slightly translucent, bronze-bodied brew is topped by a billowy, swiftly dissipating, cream-colored head. Nostrils perched delicately above the glass receive earthy, piney, and resiny notes. Slight wisps of stone fruits, citrus, and hints of banana also travel from the nose cavities and are then interpreted and assimilated by the brain. Bitterness dominates the taste, tingling all surfaces in the mouth. A subtle brown sugar sweetness alights on the back-end to round out a light earthy, coppery mid ground in the taste experience. This one plays it a little safe over all, and therefore, I’m ok if this particular recipe doesn’t make it into consistent rotation. That said, I still really enjoy it. 8/10

Cheers,

J