Idiot IPA - Coronado Brewing Company

B967ierhunter177

Pennsylvania

2.1/5  rDev -47%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Pours a clear, dark orange color with a thin head and lasting lace. The aroma is fruity, mainly grapefruit with a hint of dough. The flavor is grapefruit and has doughy and orange notes. The mouthfeel is medium. Coronado Idiot IPA is a decent beer, not a hop bomb like some in the style, much more drinkable. A great way to take the heat off from a chile beer. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2012 02:17:19 | More by B967ierhunter177

IronCitySteve

Pennsylvania

2.13/5  rDev -46.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

Had on tap and poured into a snifter.

A: Pours a nice golden orange color. There is a snall tan foam head with sufficient lacing.

S: There are a ton of hops. Floral and citrus hops dominate but there is a vague underlying malt character. Mostly a bready malt.

T: There is some floral hop character throughout. Not as overpowering as expected. Not much malt back bone to this either.

M: Leaves a bitter biting taste on the palate.

D: This is a good DIPA and many hop heads will enjoy it. I love hops, but did not 'love' this beer. It is definitely worth a shot but I would not seek out again.

Serving type: on-tap

11-07-2010 20:21:56 | More by IronCitySteve

Docer

Washington

2.25/5  rDev -43.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 1.5

Bottle received in a trade from jgap.. thx meng!

- Big fluffy white head... lacing all over, down to a steady half-finger... clear dark caramel brew.. looks well carbonated.

- Smell is a bit off on this bottle.. diacetyl.. bit buttery.. some spicy zesty hops still exist.. bitterness present.. caramel sweet malts... but the diacetyl is overpowering.. perhaps an older bottle. no freshness dating.

- I'm going to crack the other bottle in hopes that it isn't as struck w/ diacetyl.. because this one is..

... this second one is a touch better, but is still rather loaded with diacetyl.. more citrus notes are there, and caramel... fruity, zesty.. but still tastes like a shot of movie popcorn butter was shot into my glass..

- Medium bodied, slightly syrupy.. sticky... overall nat bad, well carbonated.

- I am guessing with the flavors that are left... that this is a killer beer. The hint of citrus and hops from the second bottle let's me know that this beer is a great one. Coronado is. But the shop that sold these two bottles failed at rotating them, or getting rid of old stock... or just not handling them well... because I had to unfortunately drain pour both bombers. I hope to get some fresh ones again soon. Perhaps I will edit my review on this in the future.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2011 07:28:06 | More by Docer

AleWatcher

Illinois

2.25/5  rDev -43.2%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 1

Poured into pint. Thanks to John for sending me this one...

A darker color than I like-- an orangey copper color. Small whitish-tan head is gone quickly. Virtually no lacing left behind-- sure, some clumps cling to the glass, but they return to the body with the legs. Five sips in, there is almost nothing left in terms of bubbles.

Smells sweet and malty. A little dirty and earthy and piney. It seems like there was a little tropical fruit and citrusy grapefruit... But those seems stale and faded.
The flavor fairs slightly better than the smell, but only slightly. Sweet mess of malts up front with earth and pine. Decent bitterness-- just wish this had the flavor to support it.

A bit undercarbonated and oily on the feel.

This isn't awful, but it isn't really good either. I hope this is just a bad or old bottle (of course without bottle dates, it's hard to tell!). I'd be happy to edit this review after trying the beer again.
For me and my money, this beer misses the mark in a big way. I'm pouring out the rest.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2011 03:39:59 | More by AleWatcher

zoolzoo

Connecticut

2.73/5  rDev -31.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A: Pours copper, impressive cream colored head.

S: Herbal hops, seems a bit fadey. Malty, grainy, sugar...boring.

T: Sweet malt base accented with grassy, piney hops. Lots of generic bitterness, not much fruit zing. Sugary, east coasty, fully played out. The store clerk said this "just hit the shelves last week", I actually hope thats not true.

M: Thick, chewy..medium carb.

O: I got excited when I saw this at the liquor store...oops. I think I payed a premium too. I guess I'm the "idiot"?

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2011 23:23:48 | More by zoolzoo

ccrida

Oregon

2.78/5  rDev -29.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

On draught at Mad Mex, Idiot is gold with a white head leaving pretty heavy, foamy lace.

Smell is dirty malt and some hop resin. Dissapointingly hoppy for these guys.

Taste is even worse, strong dirty alcohol and cheap malt. Sharpness to the malt, the sweet tea crystal is exaggerated by the fusels and citric hops. Resinous, pungent aftertaste makes it at least within the style, if a sub-par example.

Mouthfeel is on the chewy, oily side.

Drinkability is low. Not too good. At least the biterrness of the hops numbs the palate. Disappointing, and at $7.50 a pint (yay pgh! ;), a major pass.

Serving type: on-tap

05-07-2012 19:29:30 | More by ccrida

BearsOnAcid

Massachusetts

2.85/5  rDev -28%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Interested in trying this one...

Poured out with a nice cream colored head. Amber colored. Lots of hoppy malt sweetness on the nose. Herbal, grapefruit, carmel aroma.

Taste is underwhelming. More carmel sweetness and moderate bitterness. Candied apricot and grapefruit. Low for a DIPA. It said it was new on the shelf but I'm thinking otherwise. This tastes like an aged east coast DIPA.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2010 00:32:11 | More by BearsOnAcid

lynchmob9

California

2.93/5  rDev -26%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3

A: copper, nice initial head but then went flat quick.
S: initial tangelo peel then couldn't get it again. Cataloupe. Asian pear. Hops dominant.
T: avg, just about hops w/ no balance. Burnt brown sugar & bitterness.
M: heavy, long finish, bitter.
O: not for me. Reminds me of dozens of other forgettable beers. 12oz bottle, 4oz tasting pour, 8oz down the drain. Next.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 00:24:01 | More by lynchmob9

McNuts

North Carolina

3.03/5  rDev -23.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Looks - Nice looking DIPA, a slightly hazy orange/copper color with a nice fluffy white head with lots of lacing

Smell- Decent smell of floral hops and sweet malts

Taste- Bitter hop bite followed by overly sweet malt. I personally didn't think there was much balance to this one but two extremes. Did very little for me, not my style.

Feel- Medium bodied and medium carbonated. Pretty good body.

Overall- Not crazy about the results at this price point. Too many better options to drink again.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2011 18:15:25 | More by McNuts

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

3.05/5  rDev -23%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours 1 finger of creamy beige head. Good retention. Leaves very nice lace walls. Color is a hazed golden copper. I got some floaties in my glass.

Aroma: I has a decent amount of caramel and bready malts. Has some bittering floral hops. Some pineapple and grassy hops.

Taste: A bit malty, but it has the hop bite. Floral and grassy hops. Some pineapple again with a bit of sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Creamy and bitter. Medium bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Ends sticky and dry.

Overall, this one was a bit too malty for me. It was alright, but not something I want a lot of.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 00:52:25 | More by mothman

MiScusi

California

3.08/5  rDev -22.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From a bomber, no freshness date, 8.5% ABV stated on the bottle.

A- Pours a hazy dark orange into my pint glass. Off white foam at the top.

S- Pretty sweet with malt. I'm guessing this isn't the freshest bottle ever, but by the taste I can tell it's not super old or anything.

T- Floral, a rush of sweetness in the middle that is accompanied by some floral hops. Sticky pine aftertaste and a lingering twang of citrus. Lots of malt in this and the hops just kinda feel old. There's no real zest to them.

M- Medium. Definitely a double IPA sorta mouthfeel, slick but not the worst I've ever had (I don't like a big syrupy mouthfeel in double iPA's)

D- Not my favorite type of taste for an ipa/dipa. This has a similar flavor profile to Great Divide's Hercules DIPA which isn't a favorite of mine.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2008 02:26:54 | More by MiScusi

kbutler1

Minnesota

3.15/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Bottle. Pours a darker reddish color with a slightly off white tan head. Reminds me of a red ale in the appearance to be honest. Malty, Biscuity, and buttery in the aroma. Very little hop presence, where are they?! The hops that are present are that of pineapple and citrus. Medium mouthfeel. Alcohol shows as it warms in my mouth. Sweet up front flavors that transitions to a rind flavor bitter. The bitterness and booze showing is not the most appealing.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 12:27:35 | More by kbutler1

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.2/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at SAVOR 2011. Served in a SAVOR goblet.

Pours a clear peach color with an average white head and some spotty lacing on the way down. The nose carries a bit of grain along with a fairly-pronounced citrus character. There's also a bit of booze in the background. The flavor has too much grain, but does bring a decent amount of citrus. The body is medium with a bitter, dry finish. Still, too much booze. Okay, but needs to mellow it on the alcohol factor.

Serving type: on-tap

06-09-2011 16:57:47 | More by Thorpe429

mithrascruor

California

3.28/5  rDev -17.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

22 oz. bottle poured into a mug.

Appearance: Pours a slightly hazy orange-copper color. Big rocky slightly off-white head has good retention and leaves a good amount of lacing.

Smell: Light aroma with some pine and hop spice, but also a bit of malt sweetness.

Taste: Strong sweet citrus flavor starting off with some pine sap coming in quickly. Similar taste throughout. The lingering aftertaste is mostly bitter, with some sweeter undertones.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied, but I suppose on the lighter side of that area of the spectrum. Smooth, and actually a hint syrupy (I think partially an illusion with the taste). Minimal carbonation.

Drinkability: Stronger ABV, but not detectable in the taste. The flavor lingering aftertaste is an issue.

I was excited to try this, but overall I was pretty disappointed. The flavor seems very skewed, and isn't so great.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2010 20:32:23 | More by mithrascruor

gregshead

California

3.28/5  rDev -17.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Enjoyed on 5/5/11. Reviewed from notes:

A: Clear golden with half finger of head that dissipates quickly

S: Grapefruit aromas are most prominent on the nose.

T: Some strong grapefruit w/ a caramel/biscuit malt background. Flavors that are good but something isn't quite up to the DIPA level for me

M: Really nice level of carbonation. Has a nice astringency. Doesn't coat my teeth like DIPAs can.

O: Was it enjoyable? Absolutely. Was it an outstanding DIPA? Not particularly. It lacked some things I've come to enjoy in my DIPAs

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2011 00:08:14 | More by gregshead

dubinsky

California

3.3/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - A somewhat clear golden orange body with a creamy, two finger white head that mostly stayed the entire beer...nice lacing

S - The aroma is rather malty, what i have come to expect of many imperial IPA's. I do however get strong citrus, tropical fruit and Jasmine aromas. Slight pine scents come through as well.

T - This is a really malty beer. I was hoping to get less maltiness from the aroma's, but my nose called the tastes before my taste buds did. There is a strong bitterness in the finish and a strong hot alcohol burn. I am getting little in the citrus and pine that i normally love in this style beer. Kinda makes me wonder how old this beer is based on the other reviews it has garnered.

M - Medium bodied with nice carbonation. This one coats the palate nicely with an oily finish and leaves a long, drying bitterness.

D - Its drinkable, but not what i like for the style. This one came up short for me. I will seek out a fresh one to see if age was a factor with it.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2010 01:10:37 | More by dubinsky

BeerTruth

Connecticut

3.33/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22 oz. bomber poured into a pint glass.

Pours a dark golden hue with a nice two finger fluffy white head that slowly dies down to a nice full lacing that lasts throughout. Stickiness is great, all over the sides of the glass. Smell is a super sweet fresh pink grapefruit with not much else. Taste is pretty much the same. Big grapefruit flavor, very sweet, with not much else in the taste. Aftertaste is a bit dry with a hint of earthy hop flavors. Full, creamy mouthfeel with a decent amount of carbonation. Not bad to go down, but is pretty one dimensional. Could use at least a bit of a malt presence.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2007 03:47:54 | More by BeerTruth

begforme4484

Connecticut

3.33/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Pours a dark amber with plenty of white billowing head. Bigger bubbles leading to chunky lacing.

When I first cracked the bottle, I smelled a lot of fruity and pine hops. Once poured a huge malt sweetness kicked in. Comparing to other reviews I've read, this bottle is probably old. Can't tell since there is no markings for date on it.

Lots of bitterness, pine focused hops. Lots of malt, again probably from not being fresh.

Medium bodied, mild carb, resinous and lingering.

If you're going to drink this, make sure it's fresh. The malt monster ruined this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2010 00:42:53 | More by begforme4484

chaz410

North Carolina

3.35/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Got this bottle at the flying saucer.
Pours a medium amber/yellow hued body with a moderate white froathy head.
Smells of carmel, toasted light malts and lots of piney hopes with some lemon hints.
Taste of very very very dry grassy hop notes with an undertone of caramel and crystal malts. Some piney finishing notes.
Very dry finish and moderately malty mouthfeel.
Sorta drinkable, it's a little on the dry side but it's to be expected by the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2010 02:27:59 | More by chaz410

jamex

California

3.35/5  rDev -15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured into a Russian River Tulip glass.

I kept reading about this idiot being "close" to Pliny and the like so I gave it a try. Coronado has never been my favorite brewery, so I thought I'd try this DIPA. First, off - it's nowhere near PTE.

Color: A delightful orange with a nice, long lasting head.
Smell: A combination of hops, rose and pine.
Taste: Some of the smell is in here, but there an unfortunate sweetness characteristic that doesn't do it for me.
Feel: Typical DIPA, but there is an added oiliness to it; and a lingering sweet that distracts from the hops.
Drinkability: I polished off a 22oz of this but if I had a choice next time, I'd grab a different beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2010 01:35:16 | More by jamex

Zorro

California

3.36/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Clear amber-gold colored ale with a good sized white head.

Smells floral and hoppy with a strong citrus aroma. Honeysuckle and orange blossoms with a slight hint of pine. Smells slightly woody with a cedar chest aroma.

Starts out sweet and savory with a woody after taste. Citrus and pine flavors. Medium bitterness with some grass in the after taste.

Mouthfeel is OK.

Overall just an OK beer. Maybe I got an old bottle I will try this again some other time.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2013 23:04:55 | More by Zorro

maltynose

Colorado

3.4/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 22 oz bottle into imperial pint glass

Light copper color, clear, Nice 1/4" white head.

Citrusy, Piney Aroma, low to no alcohol aroma.

High hop bitterness, coats your tongue like an IIPA should.
Malt backbone is thin and clean, gives way to a dry alcoholic finish.

Light body. a very drinkable, warming beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2010 04:10:34 | More by maltynose

BilbosNuts

California

3.4/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to my buddy McD0uche for bringing this up from SoCal for me.

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a pint glass.

A: A thick, creamy pearl white head sits on top of a hazy reddish golden colored body. The head lasts for quite some time throughout drinking. It looks very still with no carbonation visible.

S: Strong hop profile that is mostly piney with a touch of orange citrus. That's basically all I'm picking up out of this one. These hop aromas overpower any other characteristics that try to come through.

T: The taste is similar to the aroma, but sort of muted. Hop flavors of pine and citrus are present, but they are somewhat mellow and a bit of a disappointment for a DIPA. It does finish with a nice bitter bite.

M: It has a nice medium body with a resiny sort of feel. The sticky feel coats the palate with the hop profile and lets it linger. It finishes quite bitter and crisp. Just about everything I want in the feel of a DIPA.

O: The taste was a letdown for me in this one. Other aspects were either above average or spot on. With some added complexities and a bolder taste, this would be up there with other great DIPA's.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 01:32:20 | More by BilbosNuts

jbphoto88

Texas

3.4/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A clean looking beer that pours clear wheat orange. The tan head is lackluster and fades quickly to a ring of bubbles on the edge and a thin skin of foam on the surface.

The nose is slightly above average with the scent of hops and malt both present but thankfully more weight toward the hop. A mix of pine and citrus are the building blocks here and light toasted grain in the background.

It tastes good and has a hop presence which you'd expect in an IPA but I don't feel the nose or the flavor profile warrants an imperial classification. Like the nose, the dominate flavor is the hop but it almost seems watered down. It's tasty with the same pine and citrus characteristics as the smell but not bold, sharp or distinct again making me question the imperial status.

The mouthfeel has a dusty element to it and is mildly carbonated adding to the lightness of the body. Pair that with the mild scent and taste and you have a good middle of the road beer that gets easily edged out by some hop aggressive pale ales. It's NOT a drain pour but an enjoyable average beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-10-2012 20:41:45 | More by jbphoto88

beagle75

Iowa

3.43/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a bomber into a shaker pint glass.

A: Clear, light amber color with one finger of creamy white foam head. Heavy lacing remains on the glass. Some yeast sediment is detectable settled at the bottom of the glass.

S: Abundant volatile citrus peel and tropical fruit fills the room to announce this beer's hop presence. Pale toast and fusile alcohols strain to be detected upon closer examination.

T: Begins dry with floral, pine, and grapefruit citrus hop flavors. The middle sweetens slightly as toasted biscuit and the occasional whiff of alcohol are detected. Strong but not complex; defined throughout by the aromatic hops, as seen in the powerfully bitter and astringent finish that tastes of grapefruit peel.

M: Medium viscosity, sticky but astringent on the palate, with moderate carbonation.

D: If bold flavor was the goal, then the brewers must be congratulating themselves, but that boldness comes at a price. The finish is harshly bitter to the point of being uninviting. The intensity of the aromatic hops found here cannot be ignored, yet they ache for a smoother delivery. The draft version of this beer, while not reviewed here, comes across as more balanced and enjoyable. Seek it in favor of the bottle.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2010 21:47:11 | More by beagle75