Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Beer Name: Hoptimum

Beer Style: Imperial IPA

Abv.: 10.4%

Serving Glassware: Snifter, Tulip, Red Wine Glass

Serving Temp.: 50-55 deg. F. (BeerAdvocate.com)

Local Availability: N/A (See Below)

Pairings: Sharp Cheddar, Burgers, Steak, Salmon

www.tfproject.org

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A+/4.85

Appearance: 5

Aroma: 4.5

Taste: 5

Mouthfeel: 5

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: A-/4.06

Mike's Description

First off, this is one of the best beers that I have ever had...I apologize that my beer of the week is not available at this time and probably won't be for awhile because it was only brewed once by Sierra Nevada and is now completely sold out.  I had it on tap on Monday at Smith's Billiards in Springfield, MA (it was only one of two kegs in Western MA).  Sorry that you couldn't make it Craig...

Appearance - Pours a slightly hazy golden with a reddish tinge. Pure white beautiful head with fantastic retention...bubbles were there the entire time. Lots and lots of lacing obscuring the wine glass almost completely.

Aroma - Sweet smell for a DIPA, but the hops are definitely there.

Taste - Unreal...like the smell there is a lot of sweetness, but the hops and other ingredients balance it out so well.

Mouthfeel - Fantastic, the hops last and last with the sweetness and bitterness continually playing off each other. Great lasting aftertaste that stays with you until the next sip.

Drinkability - Only have a couple of these...although it's hard because you won't be driving anywhere at 10.4%.