Hardcore NZ - BrewDog

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.18/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at the BrewDog pub in Camden Town. This beer is the same malt base as Hardcore, but down with all New Zealand hops instead of PNW ones.

A: Clear red-amber body topped by a finger of fine off-white head; pretty good retention and lace. Nice.

S: Hugely hoppy, hugely fruity: gooseberry, lychee, tangerine, mango. Great.

T: Everything from the nose, but bigger, juicier, and more delicious. Some caramel malt accentuates the sweetness of the hops, and the tropical flavors just explode. The finish is a bit sweeter than expected, with relatively low bitterness for the style. Amazingly little booziness (especially when compared side-by-side with regular Hardcore) - seriously smooth. Terrific.

M: Smooth, creamy, and well-carbonated medium body. A little sticky, but solid.

O: With a touch more bitterness to balance the sweet hops and crystal malts, this would have been a truly spectacular DIPA. As it is, it's extremely exciting but just a trifle cloying.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

04-01-2012 18:53:59 | More by woosterbill