Hercules Double IPA - Great Divide Brewing Company

ultralarry2006

Illinois

5/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This was poured from a 22 oz. bomber, leaving a 2 inch head subsiding to an inch by halfway down and a 1/2 inch the rest of the way, leaving a thick lacing all the way. Color - this was a hazy orange -copper - the expected IPA color. Aroma - pine and citrus hops, smellable at arms length away, with a mildly sweet malt note at closer range. Taste - delivered exactly what the aroma promised -a delightfully bitter hop bite of pine and grapefruit with a caramelly malt backbone that was just right- not too sweet - perfectly complimenting the hops, and then finished wtih more pleasing pine and citrus bitterness. No alcohol taste at all to interfere with flavor- in spite of the high ABV - just flavor; amazing!
Smooth and full mouthfeel- excellent!! I found this to be entirely drinkable, in spite of high abv, just will have to be conscientious of it and practice restraint when enjoying what has become one of my favorites! Excellent brew !!

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2006 17:18:08 | More by ultralarry2006

Naerhu

Japan

5/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Thanks to BroJohn for lugging this all the way to Japan.

A - Clear amber body with tight white head.
S - Lemon, orange zest and othe citrus aromas.
T - Tight juicy orange pureness. The malt seems to be the sturdy hub which keeps the alcohol and bitterness in alignment. Crisp, the malty sweetness is there, but is tightly wrapped into the rest of the beer.
M - Mild integration, alcohol is well balanced
D - This beer is blessed with huge bitterness, but it is well integrated with the rest of the beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2006 04:52:33 | More by Naerhu

garymoose13

New York

5/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

a= Pours a copper orange hue with some haziness
thin white head

s= The smell is very sweet, orange citrus honeysuckle sweet flower aroma.

t= refreshing, and crisp on the palate leads up to the toasted malt which gives way to the intense hoppiness a little zip zap zing that i love dry-sweet hop eruption.

m= The mouth is left somewhat spectacular, but not overly dry, very smooth throughout. outstanding

dynamite drinkable brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2008 23:46:57 | More by garymoose13

bigdonniebrasco

Kansas

5/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Recommended to me at my favorite Lawrence, KS bottle shop - MASS Beverage.

From a 22 oz. brown bomber. Pours out a brilliant clear russet copper (think amber), just the right amount of carbonation, thick creamy, spongy head with a whipped cream texture and an unfaltering retention. left a resiny web on my glass as I drank it down Gorgeous looking stuff.

The nose is fantastic, not overly intense, but rather a perfect balance. Tangerine and ruby red grapefruit from the hops, followed at a distance by some sticky pine, and held up by a chewy, almost candy-like malt sweetness.

GREAT balance in the flavor as well. Hops are let loose from the beginning, but almost equally matched with the malt, a smooth blending.
Biscuity and light caramel malt, creamy texture, slow rising of orange citrus in the middle along with some floral hops, building to a contained finish of pine and grapefruit rind, it really only starts ripping the tongue and palate in the aftertaste, then instantly, and gently the perfect amount of malty sweetness creeps in to temper the bite.

Creamy, silky smooth mouthfeel. To me this is what I want in a beer! just bold enough that the smallest sip caresses every single taste bud you have! Leaving you with the faintest of trace stickiness well into the aftertaste, but slick enough it make you instantly reach for another sip to reinforce your previous impression.

One of the smoothest and most balanced DIPA's I've ever had. Almost no trace of alcohol content in the flavor whatsoever, it only really sinks in about half way through the bottle. This brew REALLY met my lofty expectations!

*my only perfect score in 2 years*

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2009 03:16:33 | More by bigdonniebrasco

niner9

Arizona

5/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is an excellent beer in my opinion. I love the taste of this one, and the hops are outstanding. The abv will get you if you're not careful. Hercules is definitely worth a try.

There are plenty of advanced reviews on this beer if you want to learn more.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2009 05:09:36 | More by niner9

ralree

Maryland

4.97/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Reddish orange with a small white head. Laces great, retention really good.

S: Pretty grapefruity with heavy hop aroma. Smells really tangy like you just cut a grapefruit. Awesome.

T: Hops are so good. Grapefruit flavor is more subdued than in the smell. Malt flavor backs this one nicely with a sweet toasted flavor. Heavily bitter on the swallow.

M: Perfect - medium astringency, perfect carbonation. Medium-bodied.

D: Drinks like a charm. I'll have to get more.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2008 00:20:35 | More by ralree

wampahoofus

Pennsylvania

4.97/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wow! I had this beer on tap at the brewery yesterday. I am not sure if it is was due to its freshness right from the source, its exceptional craft or both but it was one of the best Imperial IPAs that I have had to date.

The most striking aspect of this IPA was the aromas. I was amazed by the amount floral, citris, hoppiness coming out of the glass. Amazing aroma!

The taste did not disappoint. It is a well balanced Imperial IPA with tons of citris and florals. There must be a very thoughtful blend of hops going on here. The server was not forthcoming with the hop varieties in use. (I don't blame her.)

All in all this is an exceptional brew. Hop heads will be very pleased!

Serving type: on-tap

06-06-2009 00:21:55 | More by wampahoofus

ictmattb

Kansas

4.97/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I'm sitting in Great Divide Brewery in Denver, CO as I write this. This beer is exceptional. I was expecting it to have a really thick hop bitterness, but it actually goes down very easy. This beer is amazing! I've always enjoyed Great Divide, but visiting here has made this beer even better. Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

12-16-2010 21:03:38 | More by ictmattb

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.95/5  rDev +19%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours anice cloudy amber/orange. Aroma of hops (of course) with a slight floral and malt scent. Very impressed with this IPA. Although very hoopy, there is a nice balance of slight sweetness that rounds out this beer. Highly reccomended for hop heads.

Serving type: on-tap

12-01-2008 08:56:32 | More by corby112

psumjl269

Virginia

4.95/5  rDev +19%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is easily one of the best IPAs I have ever had. I like IPAs that punch you in the mouth with hops. This definitely fits the bill. I also like high ABV IPAs, which also is a fit here.

It pours a nice amber color and has very little head. It smells very hoppy and the 10% ABV is completely hidden in the flavor.

Though different, this compares very favorably to Dogfish Head's 90 Minute IPA, another IPA that I think is an absolute classic.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2011 22:36:19 | More by psumjl269

JackStraw22

Virginia

4.93/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Pours a slightly opaque deep amber with a huge ass tan head. Looks like a cartoon head, ridiculous. Head retention is great as is the lacing.

Smell: Hops are really in your face and wonderful. Smells like they just came off of the vine and into the glass. Lots of resin aroma, piny as hell. This is how I want my DIPAs to smell.

Taste/Feel: This might be the hoppiest tasting beers I've had, not the most bitter, but the taste is intense. Just enough malt to make it drinkable, but those hops are screamin'! Nice light hop aftertaste that makes you want that next sip. Great mouthfeel, not too sticky, can be refreshing.

I'm so glad the local beer store just got these in, hopefully the supply won't dry up!

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2005 01:26:54 | More by JackStraw22

TheBungyo

Washington

4.93/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Hercules, I crown thee king, king of double IPA's. At least, so far as my search for the best goes.
It looks like carbonated refreshing Iced Tea. With a nice 1 inch head capping it of course. Sparse lacing is left on the way down through the glass.
The nose is like being smacked in the face with a branch of a pine tree. I have never smelled a pine aroma this strong. After the pine I get sweet grapefruit and orange.
Taste is again, pine, followed by grapefruit, sweet caramel, lemon and orange. Finish is massively bitter.
Mouth is so damned balanced it could be a gymnast.
Of course the drinkability is excellent because it tastes so damned amazing. Stone calls it's double IPA ruination but this one delivers on that promise far more. A real gem.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2006 02:04:58 | More by TheBungyo

umustdrink

Minnesota

4.93/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - Burnt orange color. Fluffy offwhite head, holds at a quarter inch. Excellent lacing.

S - Fragrant hops. Lots of citrus.

T - Very nice hop taste, not too intense. Starts off a slightly bitter hoppiness and ends with a nice fruitiness. Damn this is good!

M - Mouthfeel is crisp but not too dry. Nice and refreshing.

D - This is a really great beer. Alcohol is not detectable at all. I'm going to get another bottle very soon.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2007 06:16:16 | More by umustdrink

BeerSox

Virginia

4.93/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

22oz bomber into snifter glass.

Deep crystal clear ruby amber color. A light tan, smooth, and frothy head develops nicely, and slowly settles to a razor thin cap. Stringy and spotty lacing coats the glass.

Sharp piney hops are the main characteristic of the aroma. They are joined by sweet fruit-flavored hard candy like smell. For the high amount of alcohol, it is well hidden.

Toasty malts set up the brew, giving way to a spicy and bitter hop kick to the back of the tongue. The malts develop into a smooth creamy taste, while a sweet sugary candy like flavor dances in the middle of the tongue. Once again, the high amount of alcohol is well hidden. Medium bodied with good carbonation. The finish is mostly hop bitterness, with the bitterness lingering on the tongue for a while after each sip.

I knew this beer had a high rating before I reviewed it, so I went in with the mentality that I'm not going to let that influence me to write a favorable review just because everybody else did. After the first snifter-sized sample, I realized why everybody gives this one the thumbs up. It's a wonderfully complex and flavorful beer. The hops are there, but they don't overwhelm. The alcohol doesn't dominate either, even at 9.1% ABV. Try it, it's rated high for a reason.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2007 05:24:20 | More by BeerSox

Groulxsome

Ontario (Canada)

4.93/5  rDev +18.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I got this bottle at the Santa Barbara Whole Foods while on a Hop tour of California. Being from Newfoundland (and now Ontario) I'm a little hop-deprived, so I was looking for the best of California/Near IIPA's and the like.

A - A super nice orange colour with hints of copper and a nice lacy head. The head didn't come out much when I poured it at all, but it was still nice.

S - Hops! Pine, resin, some citrus. Really super hoppy.

T - Some sweat citrus, then some malt character, and then pine and bitterness. Some alcohol warmth, though less than the expected from the percentage, which makes this sneaky!

M - Really nice. Somewhat creamy. It foams nicely and is relatively soft, which is unexpected and really pleasant.

O - I've been looking for something with that nice round hop taste, and this is the ideal one for that! Great hops, it really hits the spot!

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2012 05:38:36 | More by Groulxsome

Beaver13

Colorado

4.9/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The Hercules Double IPA pours a slightly cloudy, copper color with a large, pillowy, light brownish-orange head that displays great retention and some nice lacing.

Its aroma is hops with citrus (apricot) and pine notes and some subtle malt in the background.

It has a nice, velvety mouthfeel with just the right amount of carbonation. The flavor is very nicely balanced. Lot of big hops with some nice citrus notes and a good malt backbone to offset it, followed by a crisp finish. I didn't notice the 9.1% alcohol at all - it is surprisingly drinkable.

Wow, this is a very well made beer! An excellent IPA specimen...probably my favorite to date, IPA or any other style.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2004 06:10:02 | More by Beaver13

pmcadamis

Illinois

4.9/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Thick-looking amber bronze brew with a thick two finger head that never goes away, and tons of lace.

Smells wonderfully thick and heady with floral hop oils. Like walking into a flowering hop jungle.

Tastes sweet, thickly malted, and very hoppy. The hops here are not grapefruity or grassy, but much more thick and oily. Tastes like hop buds rolled in sugar.

Very thick and creamy in my mouth, and slighty more drinkable than other DIPAs IMO. This is a great brew that will find it's way into my fridge often. Very similar to DFH 90 minute IPA, but slighty better IMO.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2006 00:07:58 | More by pmcadamis

Tupperwolf

Washington

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours out a nice dark amber that seems to build very little head.... But when I turn back around from putting the bottle back into the fridge, a large 2+ finger head has formed, and is threatening to pour over the side of the glass. Thick, soild, rocky yellow-tan, it leaves behind delicate lacing and continues to cover the beer through the entire drinking process.

I always have a problem with reviewing the smells of IPAs, because the hops tend to scorch my nose! I can get one quick whiff and then nothing else. This is one of those beers! It's hoppy enough to overpower my sense of smell, but it does it with love. Resiny, floral love.

Now, again, I always try to review beers in the order of the categories, but I have to skip taste to talk about the mouthfeel - it's like an oil slick. It's a very odd sensation to drink this, because it's very low in carbonation, but so thick and oily with hops. There's no way to describe the way it glops into every crevice of your mouth except as oily. A bit of carbonation does manage to build up some swishiness as you swallow, and serves to wipe the palate reasonably clean, leaving behind a half-crisp, half-sticky maltiness. It's incredible, and tempts you for a nother sip, as does the flavor...

Now, the hops in this beer are quite nice. They're more overpowering in character than in flavor - they have flavor, but it isn't assaulting, it's smooth and suave. You KNOW the hops are there, and love 'em there. There's a serious malt backbone, too; Tasty, tasty.

This is an experience of a beer - a multisensory experience. It's really quite awesome served medium-cold at the end of a long workday.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2006 23:58:07 | More by Tupperwolf

Phatz

Pennsylvania

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is divine sweet hop candy at it's glorious peek.

Appearance: Pours a deep copper color; orange amber, beautiful; with a big off-white head and sheets of heavy lacing.

Smell: Thick malty aroma of orange, caramel, bread and grapefruit that is truly enticing.

Taste: The flavor is sweet and malty like a fruit juice character but the fruit that has been juiced in the magnificent HOP! Hop oils galore in the bold but balanced DIPA. I this genre Hercules is not the most bitter. It actually leans towards malty despite its big hop bitter. The hop character is more like lots of tiny hop bugs nibbling at your mouth than it is like a huge hop spike that is hammered straight through the roof of you mouth exiting your skull. The sweet hoppy flavor does not scramble your brain it only teases your sense to the point of elation and drops off just before wearing you out; making this an extremely drinkable DIPA. The finish is lip-smackingly dry; and the aftertaste is fantastic, leaving you wanting more.

Mouthfeel: It feels like a medium body beer but the active nibbling hops create a sensational creaminess that makes the body feel more fluffy and yet exceptionally smooth.

Drinkability: WOW! What can I say! This one down with exceptional easy. The finish is a bit dry but I like it that way. And the ABV, well, you’d never know it; ‘till you had a few. Is it a session beer? Of course not at 9.1% but I’d easily put a few back; and I sure wouldn’t mind having a couple cases in the cellar to work on for the next several months.

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2006 07:10:06 | More by Phatz

rtratzlaff

North Carolina

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I was surpised that this was served in full 16 oz. servings, due to alchohol. Either way, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. Appearance was a deep clear amber with loads of bubbles floating to a white chunky head. Smell was slightly malt and very very grapefruit due to I suspect a whole lot of dry hopped cascade hops. Taste matched smell quite well. Loads of bitterness, but kept from being insane by malt that just did the job, but surely did not come close to balance the hop bitterness, taste, and smell. Mouthfeel was smooth decently carbonated. Drinkability was good as you can get for a beer that's around 9%. I will surely want this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

08-28-2006 01:11:03 | More by rtratzlaff

billybob

Massachusetts

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

pours orange copper color, cloudy with small bits floating in it. three finger light tan head that holds fairly well and a nice sticky lace. smell is fruity, citrus, and pine. taste is sweet caramel with a fruity flavor and a tart grapefruit and hop bitterness on the back of the tongue. drinkability, all i can say is i wish i had more.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2007 15:31:46 | More by billybob

Ljunkan

Sweden

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Nice amber color with a large white head.

Smell is very nice with lots of hops; pine-needle, elder, citrus and grapefruit.

Taste is great; grapefruit, pine-needle, citrus and a great, great bitterness. Sligthly of malty caramel/toffee notes and sweetness.

I really like the mouthfeel. It's extremly filling and full-bodied.

Drinkability is high, according to me. It's a big beer, but not too extreme either.

Classy stuff! A new favourite.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2008 19:09:27 | More by Ljunkan

cdizinno

South Carolina

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Deep copper color with slight haze. Nice thick off-white head with heavy lacing.

S: Hops and heavy citrus mixed with sweet malt.

T&M: Real smooth with a full body. Big clean bitter hop taste. Nice clean citrus pine taste.

This is a great complex IPA that deserves a try! Really nice Double IPA.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2009 01:34:36 | More by cdizinno

Intimidtor

Ohio

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

All I can say is WOW! Picked up this Double IPA from Simmones Beverage in Lakewood Ohio as an individual bottle for $3.75. Poured from bottle into nice clean pint glass. Appearance was good with about 1/4 inch of head and smell was inviting. First sip was smooth and the head had a great feel and enhanced the mouthfell. I was suprised by how well they hide this 9.10 ABV. It drinks so good but your better not overdue it with this one. I know I could have. Cant wait to get back to Simmones to pick up a four pack. If you enjoy double/imperial IPAs then this is a must try.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2009 19:08:02 | More by Intimidtor

mikeborglum

Missouri

4.88/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured 22 oz bomber in pint glass; definitely fits the commercial description pours a deep amber orange color, big head with lot’s of lace; hop aroma full of pine, floral, and citrus and bitter hop flavor and nutty, toffee-like malt character; nice full and creamy body and great lingering bitter finish. Fantastic brew.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 00:38:35 | More by mikeborglum