Hop Monster - Paper City Brewery Co., Inc.

hero27

Iowa

4.35/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle.

One of the plethora of beers that IBUnit63 sent me in LNBA BIF, thanks again!

Pours an extremely hazy, rusty orange..sticky foam resides on top & clings to the sides of the glass.
Hoppy aroma of fresh apricots, pineapple, & lemon..pale malts linger in the background.
Apricot-infused bitterness ensues from the first sip..a menagerie of citrus flavors clash together, mixed with the hearty taste of pine resin..biscuity, pale malt sweetness holds things together well.

8.5%? hell, I could drink this all day..an extremely refreshing brew, especially considering it's classified as an imperial ipa..

A very tasty offering from Paper City Brewery.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2008 18:59:03 | More by hero27

ejimhof

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -21.1%

05-05-2013 22:49:59 | More by ejimhof

BGsWo22

New York

3/5  rDev -21.1%

03-20-2013 20:49:29 | More by BGsWo22

Ecxeeder616

4.5/5  rDev +18.4%

01-08-2013 20:50:31 | More by Ecxeeder616

RyanLigeia

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy, dark golden color. Decent sized head for a 9.5% ABV beer and leaves some nice lacing too.

A blast of tropical/citrus/juicy hops and a caramel/candied belgian sugar aroma. A slight wheat scent is in there as well as a slight maltyness and touch of alcohol.

The taste is pretty unique. Mostly follows the scents (juicy hop blast, caramel/candied belgian sugar, a hint of wheat maybe, nice malt backbone) but theres a sort of gumball-like flavor in there somewhere too. Also, the abv is MUCH more present here than in the smell but I like that in my double/imperial versions of just about any style.

Leaves the mouth feeling almost bitter/dry like real grapefruit juice (not a bad thing). Moderate carbonation, right around enough body to match the huge flavors, alcohol warmth as it goes down. A good sipper.

One of the best local offerings available anywhere around here in Western MA (in my opinion). Probably my favorite Paper City beer, despite IPAs being one of my least preferred styles these days. My opinion could be biased though, due to a bit of nostalgia, as this was one of my gateway beers into the craft community when I was younger.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 22:51:21 | More by RyanLigeia

ludachris

Ontario (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Coming right from Boston.

The "blonde" descriptor written on the label is somewhat decieving seeing as the body is a rich peachy, marmalade orange hue. A finger's worth of creamy white head floats on top, leaving horizontal legs of lace as it recedes.

The nose is fairly tamed for a 9.5% DIPA. Ripe pineapple, fresh mandarin oranges, and a brush of pine sap are layered over a juicy resinous core. Sweet, rich bread comes through as well but like nearly all DIPA's of this strength, it plays more of a secondary role.

A big woop of sticky pine and semi-sweet grapefruit hits the back of the palate with a bang. Sweet pineapple, orange and lemon come at the tail end of this hop wallop, seeming as though they're trying to cover its tracks but the bitterness lingers long past the finish.

This high alcohol ridiculously hopped beer demands a big body and that's exactly what it has. Creamy and smooth through and through with any hint of alcohol being lost amongst the hop assault.

This is a very well rounded and flavourful DIPA that I'd love to try on tap. The aromatics could be a tad more pronounced but this is still a great beer nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2012 23:50:35 | More by ludachris

redfox405

Massachusetts

3/5  rDev -21.1%

08-09-2012 02:55:43 | More by redfox405

DonFrap

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -7.9%

07-13-2012 01:13:27 | More by DonFrap

luvbier

Vermont

3.75/5  rDev -1.3%

04-27-2012 20:26:05 | More by luvbier

amnesia85

Connecticut

4/5  rDev +5.3%

04-03-2012 02:55:44 | More by amnesia85

whiskaudio

Massachusetts

4.75/5  rDev +25%

03-25-2012 11:24:24 | More by whiskaudio

tpauer

New Hampshire

3.25/5  rDev -14.5%

03-12-2012 02:34:46 | More by tpauer

jfcaa193

Connecticut

2/5  rDev -47.4%

02-19-2012 00:43:16 | More by jfcaa193

iohann

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5.3%

01-26-2012 20:14:37 | More by iohann

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-Pours a bright amber color. Quite hazy. Head is excellent. Off-white and nearly two fingers high. Head retains well and leaves tons of lacing. An undoubtedly attractive brew.

S-A bit of an odd nose here. Nose seems to be made up of more Belgian hops than anything else. Like a Belgian DIPA. Smells a bit grassy. Mild sweetness. Definitely boasts a hoppy nose but it is a unique aroma none-the-less. Not sure how much I like it though.

T-Sweeter than I anticipated but there is a pretty stiff kick of grassy and piney hops. Hops taste a bit medicinal and herbal. Decent balance; chewy caramel. Alcohol masked quite well. Has a taste of its own. Citrus comes out as the beer wamrs just slightly. Finishes mildly bitter.

M-Medium to heavy bodied. Mild carbonation. Alcohol dries the palate a bit. Chewy feel.

O/D-In conclusion, I did not love this beer. Hop profile here isn't my favorite. Definitely decent. No real complaints but I would not buy this again. It grew on me as I slowly polished off the bomber.At $6.25 a bomber, and local, I would like to see this a bit cheaper but it isn't overpriced really. A respectable and unique DIPA from my home state.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 02:48:27 | More by VelvetExtract

RonfromJersey

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Hazy gold body, topped by three fingers of snow white rocky froth. Good lacing.

Extraordinarily mild orange aroma. Nothing bad, but I expect more nose from an ipa.

Starts with a big dollop of caramel. The big blast of sweet is quickly matched and overpowered by a bigger blast of bitter that roars through the afterglow. Juicy fruit provides an undercoat to all that bitterness.

Solid mouthfeel delivers the beer well.

Overall, an agressive abrasive DIPA that may not be for everyone, but should work for those who like those kind of IPAs.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2011 05:20:51 | More by RonfromJersey

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Light creamy head fades semi quickly light lacing hazy peach brown orange color.

Nose light citrus, candy hops light grassy hops, light herbal like, light malts, wheat, fruit and candy, gumball.

Wheat, light malts, semi sweet, quite bitter, chewy hops, light citrus, light fruity hops, touch of earthy spicy hops, light gumball flavor, a bit sweet too. Finishes quite bitter still, lingering fruity and candy hops, light sticky sweet.

Mouth is med to heavier bodied, decent carb.

Overall pretty good, nice hops flavors, quite bitter, move light wheat, sticky finish Though, and a bit too heavy and sweet, it would be a great beer without the heavy thick sweet sticky part.

Serving type: bottle

06-28-2011 01:46:40 | More by jlindros

surprenant1138

Connecticut

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a nice hazy dark amber with minimal white head and some lacing. Aroma is faint; some light citrusy hops, a bit piney, and some Frey grass smell. I detect a sweet berry fruitiness also. Mouthfeel is dry, and medium bodied. Taste is very refreshing, sweet like berry flavor, lemons, some pine and grassiness. Very tasty dry IPA here.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2011 00:25:34 | More by surprenant1138

PicoPapa

Connecticut

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle. Pours a hazy light amber color with a big frothy white head. Fair amount of lacing. Nice hoppy aroma. Mostly tropical fruits and citrus. Smells sweet. Taste is bitter with some orange peel. Not as tropical as it smelled but there are some tropical fruit notes. Bitter finish along with more orange peel. This one has a high abv but doesn't taste too boozey. Good amount of drinkability but the bitterness slows you down a bit. Overall, a very good Imperial IPA that I would have again.

Serving type: bottle

05-02-2011 06:12:38 | More by PicoPapa

portia99

Massachusetts

2.42/5  rDev -36.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

22oz bottle poured into a Dogfish Head signature glass.

A - Pale, very hazy golden color, orangish highlights, somewhat dirty looking. A low half finger of fine bubbled white foam that dies quickly to a surface skim coat and a thick, uneven collar.

S - A bit alcoholic up front, sweet citrusy lemon and orange. Quite fruity hop aromas, some honey-like sweetness, light biscuity malt and some herbal and spearminty notes as well. A somewhat odd combination of hoppy aromas.

T - Quite estery flavor, guessing they used some English yeast veriety. Alcoholic, herbal and medicinal flavors and bitterness that lingers and leaves a solvent-like flavor behind. Can't say I'm a fan of this one.

M - Bitter, alcoholic and medicine-like. A bit thin, solvent/rubbing alcohol like...pretty high carbonation level.

O - Not impressed by this one. Doesn't look or smell especially good. Taste is not at the top of my list either. Too much medicinal qualities for me. This is a one and done.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2011 23:48:40 | More by portia99

CliffBrake

New Hampshire

3.35/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Ever so slightly hazy orange color, with rocky head that lasts well and leaves good lacing.

Some lemon and herbal hops on the nose. Flavor of lemony, juicy hops with a big somewhat astringent bitterness. Sweet malty base but it does not detract from the hop forward presentation at all. Mouth puckering.

Good carbonation on a pretty big bodied beer. A sipper for sure. No doubt this is a high alchohol brew. Balanced but the acidic astringency keeps me from drinking this one too quickly.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2011 22:18:23 | More by CliffBrake

koopa

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a creamy cloudy caramel blonde with a 1 finger white crown that displays great retention and lace.

Smell: Nice spanish cedar wood / tobacco type note, minor caramel note, pine hops, and a touch of citrus hops.

Taste: Same as the nose with a hint of alcohol presence. Nice bitterness in the finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with nice soft carbonation.

Drinkability: 5.0 if it didn't have a touch of alcohol presence.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2011 23:48:44 | More by koopa

Brad007

Vermont

4.22/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from a 22oz bomber.

Pours a nice yellowish-blond color with a small flicker of head into my glass. Color is decent.

Grapefruit notes from the hops dominate upfront, followed closely by a bit of sweet malt. Yep, this is certainly hoppy.

Once again, lots of grapefruit character followed by a bitterness that's just right, warming the throat with mint-like flavors as well. Purely a hop monster.

Dries the mouth and leaves a residual grapefruit taste in the mouth. Certainly lives up to the name.

A decent imperial IPA that seems to be true to the meaning. It's not exactly balanced but still better than some other examples I've sampled.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2011 05:58:08 | More by Brad007

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. Poured a big head which collapsed to 1/2" but in so doing kind of left a merengue-like floater of head floating in the middle top. Hazy gold and tan color. Taste is a little sweet and very rich with big bold hops. I'd call it oppulent. It's really only a monster if you're afraid of hops hiding under your bed when you turn out the light. Otherwise it's just the friendly hop fairy.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2010 08:48:32 | More by MoreThanWine

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle purchased somewhere local in MA.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" off-white head over the slightly cloudy golden amber brew. Head falls gradually, with lasting lace. Aroma is sweet with strong citrus character.

Taste follows along, sweet upfront, lemony in the middle, and wraps up with a gritty tooth scraping bitterness that somehow hits the spot. It all comes together well though. Mouthfeel is smooth, and drinkability is good for they style as well. Pretty drinkable in a style often of bitter for the sake of bitter.

6/12/04 - 4/4.5/4.5/5/4.5
12ozer purchased as a single from the Spirit Haus, Amherst, MA, apparently another brew from the "limited brewer's offering," as noted on the somewhat generic label.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" white head above a somewhat cloudy dark straw brew. Dense head hung around for quite some time, and laced well. Aroma is as advertised, dominated by piney hops character. Taste is surprisingly malty upfront, before the tsunami of hops balance and then dominate. Mouthfeel is semingly perfect, and the brew is oh-so-drinkable. I'll be picking up a six pack for the fridge tomorrow...

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2010 22:48:03 | More by ppoitras