Is this beer really from Utah? Yes it is. I suppose it might help if I told you what beer I’m talking about, so here goes: Squatters Hop Rising Double IPA. I haven’t really drunk a lot of beer from Utah you see, a state that isn’t really famous for beer after all. I’ve had beers from Wasatch (back in the 90s), Unita, and Red Rock, and now Squatters. Those of you interested in some of the strange beer laws of Utah that might be the reason it is not so famous for beer can read my thoughts on Uinta Anniversary Barleywine for more details.
Back to Squatters, though, and their fine double IPA. Squatters’ beers are not sold in Georgia, but I received a can of the DIPA from the very generous Dale Roberts. Squatters is a brewery and a brewpub, and they were founded in 1989. How am I only hearing about them now? Good question. From the can label:
A mighty hop-lover's dream. Hop rising adds malty backbone to an intense Imperial IPA. This insanely smooth dry-hopped ale has everything
Squatters Hop Rising Double IPA has an alcohol content of 9% and 72 IBUs. The guy putting the pitchfork to a giant hop cone on the can is Squatters head brewer Jason Stock. The can tells me this as well, and also suggest you “Enjoy by 12/01/2014”. I think it would be fine for some time after that.
Squatters Hop Rising Double IPA pours to a bright orange color with a thick rocky head formation and a big inviting resiny hop nose. A thick layer of Brussels lace forms on the sides of my glass and follows the liquid all the way to the bottom. Taking a sip, I immediately love the big thick chewy caramel up front on this beer, followed by the in your face hop assault. Those hops are gently fruity with hints of passion fruit, and then piney resiny, peppery hops in a much bigger way. The long dry bitter finish seals the deal on this very enjoyable double IPA.
I love malt and I love hops and this beer has them all. It doesn’t get much better, folks.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler