Hi guys.  For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the 2XIPA produced by the Southern Tier Brewing Company located in Lakewood, New York.

I have never had this beer before, and as most know, Southern Tier is one of the best brewers on the east coast, so I’m really looking forward to tasting this brew.

Here’s the description from the company’s website, southerntierbrewing.com.

Not quite an imperial, but certainly not a standard India pale ale. Our double IPA is a hop lovers dream. Citrusy and clean with an incredible finish.

It’s now time to pour.

This brew has an ABV of 8.2% and it comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

The 2XIPA poured an extremely clear pale orange to golden color with a white, fluffy, frothy, rocky and soft looking head.  It was very well endowed with size, the retention time was more than suitable and the lacing held on to the sides of the glass for a good long while.

This beer was very aromatic.  Pungent floral notes that were both bright and clean.  A mixture of piny and grassy hops cleared my sinuses along with hints of citrus that were reminiscent of grapefruit, orange peel and maybe even a touch of lemon zest.  The citric characteristics were not quite as “loud” as I thought they might be for a Double IPA, but they were still easily noticed and made for a good showing.  As the brew warmed a bit I started to get a fragrance of white bread.  Overall, well balanced, even and delightful.

The taste brought forth a touch more of the grapefruit and orange citrus.  Like the aroma, the taste was very clean and bright with savors of grass and pine.  I found plenty to be happy about in regards to the hop bite, hop oils and bitterness.  Only a touch of the bready malt was distinguished making this brew very hop forward.  It was hard to believe at 8.2% ABV, but I found absolutely no trace of alcohol.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied, very dry, clean, crisp, snappy and smooth.  It was also quite refreshing and thirst quenching.  A good showing of flavor was left behind on the palate after each sip.

I think we have a very good beer here.  I was taking huge gulps of this thing.  I would have never guessed that the ABV was nearly as high as it was had I not looked on the website.  It kind of reminded me more of a Pale Ale as opposed to a Double IPA.  It wasn’t overblown or overpowering.  Just a good, all around, flavorful beer.  I definitely think it’s worth a try if you happen to run across it.  It would sit very well with a fresh and warm Spring day.  Again, just my opinion.  See for yourself and be sure to let me know what you think when you do sample it.

Thanks for reading and commenting folks.  I appreciate it.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  4.05 out of 5
Grade:  A-