Brewery: Milwaukee Brewing Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beer: Hop Happy
Serving: 12 oz bottle
Glassware: Sierra Nevada imperial pint
Information: No date or info available on the bottle.
Style: American IPA
Price: $1.69 / single
Purchased at: Otto’s Menomonee Falls
Availability: ?
Cellaring: Not recommended for extended aging.
Pairings: Pizza, spicy dishes, sharp cheese.
Score: 81 / 100 (4.05) – Very Good
Look: 5
Smell: 4
Taste: 4
Feel: 4
Overall: 4
A – Faintly hazy, this golden amber IPA has a good level of carbonation feeding the excellent, frothy ivory head. Thick rings of lace coat the glass for a picture-perfect brew!
S – In keeping with classic midwest-style IPAs, there is a predominant hop nose, but immediately apparent is balance. Light citrus cascades down to earthy tones with resin following. Caramel and toasted amber malts follow leaving this brew smelling pretty simple. But it works.
T – The balance, once again, takes front and center. Plenty of malt backing allows some caramel and toasted amber malt flavor to penetrate the overarching hop profile of English earthy tones; dried leaves, pine resin, and grass clippings with some American-style citrus drops.
M – Medium-bodied, smooth, and pretty soft, the balance is key here. A good helping of hops through the boil lets this IPA finish with considerable lingering bitterness.
O – Expect balance from Hop Happy. Plenty of English and American hops add character and bitterness while smooth maltiness finishes out. Enjoy this IPA with pizza dipped in hot sauce or sprinkled with crushed red pepper for a complimentary zing.
Cheers,
-Andy
