Another great Upstate NY IPA, this one from the makers of one of my favorite green hopped even arugulan IPA, Flower Power. I noted the press release for Ithaca Beer Co's Double IPA last spring and was happy to see that it was an experiment with local hops. I was also well warned that this brew whacks a wholloping 10%.

The beer is really attractive orange-amber under a tan head. There is no great hoppy aroma, mainly sweet citrusy malt. In the mouth there is wonder - big rich round wonder. If this is actually 10%, it is the most sneakily hidden 10% brew I have had. There is twiggy malt and graininess, a hint of brown sugar, pear, orange peel and marmalade. Only at the end is there some well balanced heat. Then more. Not a hop bomb like you would find with a beer like, say, Stone's Ruination IPA, it is really delicate yet still has a strongly played hop profile that ties into the rich malt with grace suggesting green, twig and pine all at once. Soft water, cream yeast. More like what an old ale was before it got on in years. Fresh, earthy and biscuity...almost cakey.

All the BAers love it.