Smoked IPA - Triumph Brewing Company

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

First had: on tap at Triumph, Philly, PA

A smoked IPA sounds a bit weird. And it was a bit weird. I'm not sure using smoked malts (beachwood in this case) in an IPA is the best of ideas, but this was still pretty good, considering it could have been a disaster. Triumph is usually on par when it comes to smoked beers.

A hazy golden liquid with a small foamy white head that retained as a wispy layer and left a few spots of lacing on the glass. In the nose, toasted grains, herbal hops, lightly smoked malts. The taste reflected the nose, toasted grains, with generous but not excessive herbal and earthy hoppage, and an ashy smokiness that was ubiquitous, but never really came to the foreground...which is good, because it made the beer that much more drinkable. It wasn't overdone, I guess is what I'm saying. But it was still a bit uncomfortable, and I think a full pour of this might have been a bit much, though I'm sure I would have gotten used to it. A little more fresh hoppiness would be an improvement. It is supposed to be an IPA after all. Light-medium body, and overall quite interesting.

Serving type: on-tap

01-12-2013 22:35:57 | More by Rifugium

cbutova

Massachusetts

3.48/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Notes from two nights ago. Pretty nice brewpub in downtown Philly.

A- Light amber body poured into a pint glass. A big white head forms with good retention. Foamy looking cap and nice lace patterns form.

S- A light to moderate dose of smoked malts and dark fruit notes. Not hard to pick up but just on the mild end of the spectrum. A decent hop presence is fruity and earthy.

T- Hops and smoked malts play together fairly well here. A good balance of things as well as hints of dark fruits, caramel. cracked grains and toffee. Hops are floral and earthy here too.

MF- Lighter body with a nice creamy feel and moderate carbonation. A medium level of bitterness in the finish.

Good and balanced smoke and hop level. I personally wouldn't mind a bit more hops in the end of the boil but this drinks nice and easily.

Serving type: on-tap

12-26-2012 06:22:26 | More by cbutova