Top Tastings 2010
ABV: 10%
Origin: San Marcos, California, USA
Website: www.portbrewing.com
Port Hop-15
I was delighted to discover bomber bottles of this classic US imperial India pale ale on sale in outstanding London beer seller Kris Wines. The name refers to its origin as a celebration ale for the 15th anniversary of the brewery’s original location at the Pizza Port restaurant in Solana Beach, with a secret formula of 15 different hop varieties added at 15 minute intervals to the boil. The grist employs two row American pale and English light crystal barley malts.
This amber beer has a fine off-white head and a gorgeously pungent, nutty and spirity aroma with grapefruit, pine and sweet orange syrup. A thick, resinous palate is just balanced by a decent malt base, with a spicy warming quality and notes of pinoli and flowers. A long and also spicy finish has tinges of charcoal, bitter chocolate and a slow building assertive peppery note. Bitterness is complimented by plenty of complexity to keep the interest.
Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/port-brewing-hop-15/16654/
Leave a Reply