Rez Gets SMASHED
Witch's Hat Brewing Co.

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From:
Witch's Hat Brewing Co.
 
Michigan, United States
Style:
Imperial IPA
ABV:
9.8%
Score:
94
Avg:
4.3 | pDev: 5.81%
Reviews:
12
Ratings:
69
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Dec 21, 2017
Added:
Aug 07, 2015
Wants:
  5
Gots:
  3
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by LambicPentameter:
Photo of LambicPentameter
Reviewed by LambicPentameter from Nebraska

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I've really enjoyed the other two hoppy beers I've had from Witch's Hat (Train Hopper and Big Doedish), so it seemed like a good idea to grab some of this to go since I was already there for the Night Fury bottle release on Friday. Enjoyed on 8/22 out of a 32 oz brown howler with a fill date of 8/21. Poured into a Witch's Hat imperial pint glass--the kind with the big curved upper area (not the nonic variety).

Appearance (3.75) - It takes a slightly aggressive pour to coax any considerable head out of this, but given that it's a growler fill, some forgiveness is warranted. In the end, I'm able to generate about a finger of bright Clorox-white head of tight bubbles sitting atop a transluscent body of golden amber with orange flesh undertones. Retention is moderate, with the foam leaving sticky lace mottling around the glass where the head once was. Across the surface of the liquid, some pockets of foam remain amongst ligher swaths of film.

Smell (4.25) - Aroma is very juicy and bright, especially considering the high alcohol content--even for a double IPA. Elements of tropical fruit--mostly mango and passionfruit--make up the vanguard with some notes of stonefruit bringing up the finish. There is a nice acidic counterpoint in the form of generic citrus zest; maybe grapefruit rind. Overall, this is big and fruit-forward, with very little suggestion of approaching bitterness.

Taste (4.5) - Like the aroma, this one is a hop-forward DIPA, but with only a supporting role from the bitterness that will often be present. Mango and passionfruit blend together on the tongue with some very nice juiciness, but I should take a moment to note that there is definitely a presence from the grain base here--at almost 10% abv, how could there not be. There is also a faint bit of booziness as well, but it comes through in a way that melds quite well with the fruity notes of the hops and gives them some heft. As it warms, some of that bitterness comes through a bit more, making for very well-balanced beer.

Feel (4.5) - Full-bodied for the style, with moderate to low carbonation (again, growler fill). Juicy feel on the tongue with a lingering bitterness on the tastebuds long after the liquid is gone.

Overall (4.25), a really enjoyable DIPA from Witch's Hat. I must say it's probably the best DIPA I've had in the ~10% abv range. Typically I prefer my imperial IPAs to sit on the lower end of the style for alcohol level. This one takes that alcohol and uses every bit of it to its advantage. Not sure how long this will last on tap, but I may be grabbing a full-size growler of it when I go back this Friday. As far as I'm concerned, Witch's Hat is 3 for 3 on hoppy beers, and each has their own unique character. Really looking forward to having more and more from this brewery.
Aug 24, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.28 by GreatStoutman from Texas

Dec 21, 2017
 
Rated: 5 by BenHoppy from Michigan

Nov 23, 2017
 
Rated: 4.25 by Giggy from Michigan

Oct 22, 2017
Photo of Leonardgrote
Rated by Leonardgrote from Ohio

4.66/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
An exceptional double!
Sep 14, 2017
Photo of gopens44
Reviewed by gopens44 from Virginia

4.28/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Cut to the chase, tastes terrific. Piney, earthy and punishing bitter rounded out by some well placed and polite heat. Looks good too, just don't want to take away from how tasty it is by blathering on about looks!
Aug 12, 2017
 
Rated: 4.07 by Muss42 from Michigan

Jun 27, 2017
 
Rated: 4.25 by Kuges from Texas

May 30, 2017
Photo of Benjolovesbeer
Rated by Benjolovesbeer from Michigan

5/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Just like Stone Ruin 2.0 if not better
Apr 30, 2017
 
Rated: 4.5 by Moses_Malone from District of Columbia

Mar 01, 2017
 
Rated: 4.35 by SaisonRichBiere from Michigan

Jan 17, 2017
Photo of TreyIsWilson
Reviewed by TreyIsWilson from Michigan

4.24/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A - Pours a golden orange with a two finger creamy white head. Decent amount of soapy lacing.

S - Aroma is grapefruit, mango and tangerine.

T - The Tatse follows the aroma. Mango, tangerine, mango, sweet malts and piney hops. The finish has light bitterness.

M - Medium body with medium carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel with a soft finish.

O - This is an outstanding DIPA. Th flavors are the perfect mix of citrus and piney hops. Excellent.
Jan 15, 2017
 
Rated: 4.4 by goblue30 from Michigan

Dec 02, 2016
 
Rated: 3.93 by Brian29 from Ohio

Nov 30, 2016
 
Rated: 4.5 by -Andrew- from Michigan

Nov 22, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by Chris77McGrath from Ohio

Nov 10, 2016
Photo of actinphishy
Reviewed by actinphishy from Michigan

4.21/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Bright orange gold in color with a thin mouthfeel, this DIPA is hopped up without killing your palate. A refreshing beer that would great on a hot day if drinking more than a couple of of these at 9.8% ABV wouldn't put you under the table.
Oct 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.27 by MI_beerdrinker from Texas

Oct 13, 2016
Photo of thebeers
Reviewed by thebeers from Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a vibrant golden-orange color with two-plus fingers of lasting bright white head that leaves rings of lacing. There's a big pink grapefruit aroma with musty pine undertones. That musty, peppery pine comes through first in the taste. There's a good amount of alcohol on the backend, followed by a fairly bitter aftertaste. Heavy mouthfeel, that's still quite prickly and well carbonated. Very enjoyable.
Oct 06, 2016
Photo of qcbrewer
Reviewed by qcbrewer from North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pretty surprised that Big Doedish technically had a better rating at this point with a 4.48 from 53 reviews compared to 4.32 from 51 reviews of Rez Gets Smashed. I personally think the body is so much better in Rez.
Sep 27, 2016
Rez Gets SMASHED from Witch's Hat Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 94 out of 100 with 69 ratings