It’s hot outside.  Really, really, sweltering hot.  What could be better than a nice, cool, crisp, hop-laden beverage to slake ones thirst?

I can think of few things more satisfying, beer-wise, than a refreshing ipa on a hot day, or any day for that matter.  But if one is satisfying, several would be even better, right?  What if we pitted them against each other?  This should make for an amazing, intensely palate-crushing time.

I’ve selected five ipas, and recruited assistance from two guest judges, for our ipa clash.  The two judges will be evaluating the ipas, giving each a rating from one to ten, and then taking a guess about which they are drinking,  They have foreknowledge of which beers are in contention, but will be trying each blind.  I am pouring the brews, and to maintain an unbiased perspective, I will not be rating these beers, but I will be providing some tasting notes.

Lets meet our contenders……

Left to right we have Sip of Sunshine by Lawsons Finest Liquids, Nimble Giant by Troegs Brewing Company, Joop by Spring House Brewing Company, JuiceBox by Sole Artisan Ales, and Frontside Lipslide by Pizza Boy Brewing Company.

Without further ado, let us commence the ipa throw down!

Beer #1

Judge #1 – A very citrusy and fruity ipa.  More of a sweet overall flavor and not heavy in piney, dank notes.

Rating – 7.5

Guess – Sip of Sunshine

Judge #2 – Lots of honey taste to this one.  Very citrusy.  The first taste is better than the second or third.  (after 5 or 6, I really like this) Probably a DIPA. ABV is 8.2%

Rating – 8

Guess – Joop.* (Then, after drinking each subsequent beer, this guess was changed to Nimble Giant, then back to Joop, then JuiceBox, and finally after drinking the last beer the guess was Frontside Lipslide)

Me – The smell is juicy and fruity with hints of mango and pineapple and stone fruit.  It is very sweet, and sugary, with ample bitterness.  Dangerously drinkable.

Beer #2

Judge #1 – Like this one.  More in line with a traditional ipa(as a positive.) Not as sweet and drier overall.

Rating – 8

Guess – Nimble Giant

Judge #2 – More traditional (as a negative.) Kind of boring.

Rating – 7

Guess – Nimble Giant

Me – This has a floral/herbal nose.  There is more of a malt presence and slight earthy notes are accented by mild bitterness.

Beer #3

Judge #1 – Not as good as the last beer.  Flowery notes.

Rating – 7

Guess – JuiceBox

Judge #2 – “Very floral, and I’m just not a flowery ipa guy.” Light malt backbone.

Rating – 6.5

Guess – Joop

Me – The smell is clean, flowery, and slightly earthy.  This nose has slight dank/weed notes, in a good way.   This has a rich, crisp, flavorful body with slight pine and muted wine notes.

Beer #4

Judge #1 – Light and fruity.  Obvious haziness in the body.  Mild odd aftertaste.

Rating – 6.5

Guess – Joop

Judge #2 – “This is gonna be good. I can tell by looking at it!” Hazy, light, thin, and very drinkable.

Rating – 7.5

Guess – JuiceBox

Me – This is blatantly hazy and cloudy.  It’s fruity, juicy, and has hints of nectar-like sweetness.  There are notes of stone fruit as well.  This is the lightest overall and least bitter of the ipas.

Beer #5

Judge #1 – Another fairly hazy one.  Define bitterness. Hefty citrus.

Rating – 7.5

Guess – Frontside Lipslide

Judge #2 – Perfect. A little noticeable alcohol. Super citrusy.  “Everything I want in an ipa.”

Rating – 9

Guess – Sip of Sunshine

Me – This has a unique and pleasing nose hinting at citrus, and sweet juicy pineapple notes.  The body is hazy and slightly cloudy.  The bitter, mouth-tingling, citrus-rind flavor is excellent.

Now that the, extremely enjoyable, tasting is complete.  It is time to declare a winner.  Tallying up the ratings we have…..

Joop – 16.5

Frontside Lipslide – 15.5

Sip of Sunshine – 15

JuiceBox – 14

Nimble Giant -13.5

Spring House’s Joop is the winner!

I’ve enjoyed each of these ipas immensely on their own.  It seems though, that when pitted against each other, and striped of potentially influencing elements like descriptions, brewery, and label, there must be one that clearly shines above others.  Try each of the contenders and see if you feel similarly about the results.  All are solid examples of this delicious ipa style.  The victor today, Joop, is an excellent ipa and should be sought out immediately.  Though I believe this one-off batch is now sold out.  Time to find a charitable friend……

Humbly yours,

J