Divorced, beheaded, died,

Divorced, beheaded, survived,

This little rhyme describes the fate,

Of the six wives of Henry the Eighth.

 

Here I am, pushing double fives, and I still remember this little ditty one of my high school history teachers used to recite. So OK, I know you’re probably saying by now “Hey Bruguru! We’re here for a beer review, not a history lesson!” Hang tight friends, I’m saying you’re going to get both today. You see, Old Henry the Eight I am, I am didn’t seem too fond of his wives. Thing is, he wasn’t so crazy about hops, either. He is said to have said:

 

“Hops are a wicked and pernicious weed.”

Henry wouldn’t have been a fan of the modern American craft beer movement, I’m betting. Be that as it may, that famous phrase has a lot to do with the naming of the beer I’m here to tell you about today: Wicked Weed Pernicious India Pale Ale.

Wicked Weed the brewery takes its name from that famous quote, as does Pernicious India Pale Ale. In fact, if you go to the brewery in Asheville you will see Henry’s portrait on the wall of the upstairs bar. So you see? Beer review and history lesson, all rolled into one.

Well, here comes the beer review now anyway. I first enjoyed Wicked Weed Pernicious India Pale Ale at Taco Mac in Canton on 25^th February of 2016, shortly after the brewery started selling tis beer here in Georgia. I said:

Wicked Weed Pernicious. This should be Thanksgiving because I'm so grateful I can get draft Wicked Weed 2 miles from home. $7 draft

That was an 11-ounce draft, and for some reason I didn’t take any notes on the beer. No worries however, as Wicked Weed beers are featured as beer of the month at Taco Mac for December of 2018. This time around I paid 20 cents less and got 12 ounces more, plus a free logo glass. What a deal! It runs $10.44 a 4-pack in bottles at Target, less of a deal there. I want my other two bottles!

Wicked Weed Pernicious India Pale Ale has an alcohol content of 7.3% by volume.

Wicked Weed says:

Pernicious implies influence that is harmful in a way not easily noticed. This beer is harmful, not because of overwhelming hop bitterness, but because its balanced brightness insidiously ruins your expectations for all other IPAs. This hop delivery vehicle is crafted to enjoy fresh and often and because of its drinkability and clean finish you’ll never look at IPA the same again. The harm is done.

Ingredients from the website:

Hops Amarillo, Centennial, Columbus, Motueka, Pacific Gem, Warrior

Dry Hops Amarillo, Citra, Galaxy, Mosaic, Motueka, Pacific Jade

Yeasts California Ale Yeast

Wait what? Are there no malts in this beer? Of course there are, they really need to tell us which ones. Contrary to the beliefs of modern beer geeks, malt is every bit as important an ingredient in beer as the hop. Some would say more so, since the hops is but the seasoning of the malt. If Henry the Eighth were still around, he would be on my side here, folks.

My mug of Wicked Weed Pernicious India Pale Ale arrived a bright orange color with a thick fluffy head and a brightly citrusy nose. Taking a sip, I got a light malt body, grapefruit rind and pith, tropical fruit, resin, and a long dry bitter finish with emerging lemon rind and a pronounced bitterness.

Needless to say, I would like more malt here, but I do appreciate the wonderful hop complexity. Henry, on the other hand, says he hates it.

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

 

 

 



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