Something Hoppy This Way Comes - Pipeworks Brewing Company

Justin_Neff

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

22oz bomber bottle marked "Batch #104" poured into a 50W Tulip glass

A: Pours a neon orange, translucent body. Bright white velvety head. Great, sticky lacing clings to the glass as it fades into a small silky ring.

S: Very hop forward in the nose. Loads of citrus - lemon, orange, and grapefruit peel bitterness. Bready, biscuit malts. Buttery wafts that almost comes off like vanilla.

T: Not as hop-dominant as I was anticipating from the nose. There is a fairly large amount of bready/biscuit malt backbone up front, with a decent amount of hop bitterness at the finish. Definitely very buttery, but balanced with strong lemon-like citrus character.

M: Very sticky. Full body. Prickly. Somewhat creamy. Booze is hidden well, but there is still some evidence of alcohol warmth.

O: Not what I was anticipating, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. This one is actually balanced really well and has a very nice malty backbone. The citrus character from the hops balances the breadiness from the malts well. Another good offering from Pipeworks, and further evidence of why they are blowing up in the Chicago area.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 00:36:42 | More by Justin_Neff

timc100

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Batch 103

A: Slightly hazy gold with a nice pillowy white head - really good retention and lacing

S: Floral and grassy, some pine and resin. Pungent and ripe tropical fruits that don't dominate - candied grapefruit peel. Sticky, astringent pineapple concentrate (?). Great aroma, not as vibrant and aggressive as their other DIPA offerings.

T: Moderate bitterness and astringency. Sticky orange, lesser grapefruit - resinous. With warmth the orange increases into a sherbet-like sweetness. Very, very good

P: Medium/full bodied. Leaves a great lacing of hop astringency and bitterness on the sides of the mouth.

O: Another fantastic hop offering from pipeworks, imo better than the first batch. Very interesting hop profile

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 05:54:43 | More by timc100

wyatt13

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Batch 105. Poured from a 22 oz. bomber into a tulip glass.

A - Golden yellow, with an off-white head that resembles whipped egg whites.

S - Grapefruit, orange and other various fruits assault the nose. This definitely smells fresh & hoppy. Some grassy or dank qualities as well.

T - First sip is REALLY boozy, on par with Unicorn's Revenge. A definite alcohol bite is paired with immensely sharp hops. Lots of sweet fruitiness. Quite unbalanced, in my opinion. This will put hair on your balls.

M - A slick mouthfeel, with adequate carbonation. Mild drying of the mouth, but quite tingly.

O - I would not recommend trying to tackle this bomber solo. I'm glad my friend Chris is here to help me take this down. Very flavorful & an incredible freshness, but the booze is quite apparent. Not necessary a negative thing, but something to keep in mind.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2013 01:30:04 | More by wyatt13

inlimbo77

Delaware

4.05/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz, Batch #104
Bottled 3/21/13
Unmarked tulip

A: Slightly hazy bright orange color. Not a lot of head. Thin layer of bright white bubbly goodness. Still leaves some lacing. Mild alcohol feet.

S: Big tropical fruits. Almost juicy fruit like initially. Peach. Apricot. Juicy mango. Ridiculous honey comb sweetness. There is also come pine and spice in there. But can't get over that fruity hop character.

T: So juicy. Bitterness on tip of tongue. Pine and fruity hops. Middle of the mouth you get that malt body. It's actually larger than I had expected. This is a 10% beer though, so it happens. But still a hop bomb. Finish is dry and bitter.

M: Medium bodied leading to big medium. Definitely body here with those malts.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 17:38:48 | More by inlimbo77

joeseppy

Illinois

4.26/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours a pale amber and white crisp head that lasts the session.

The aromas are what I would believe the bottom of a pine forest would smell like. Resinous pine, hop leaf, mossy and earthy. Imagine holding fresh hops in your both your hands and dig your nose in and breath in deep deliberately and slowly---yes...enjoy!

First sip is brashly dry bitter hop. My first thought of was the Sorachi Ace hop, which I read on the bottle later as one of the hops brewed. Actual delite. Very straight forward bitter brew. No oniony residue or citric burst.

Medium carbonation, dry finish, bitter and a real pleasure.

If you don't really like a citric hop this is one to try. I love Pipeworks artwork labeling and love their brew selection. Thanks to them for letting us know the hop billing on side label. Good bitter brew for me to have when I lite up my favorite habano this early spring. This Easter, Something Hoppy Came This Way for dad. Drink fresh and enjoy often!

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 18:13:12 | More by joeseppy

KFBR392

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Appearance: pretty regular look going on here for a IIPA. Above average head and carbonation. No lacing on the glass as this one was drank.

Smell: bright and hoppy. A lot of sharpness from the high abv. Really fresh, some earthy tones and some exotic hop spices.

Taste: clean and beats up the palette well. The sorachi hops take over this brew. My first experience with sorachi hops and call me a fan. Balance on the edge of violence and exotic spices. Can't get much of the other hops but overall very good.

Mouthfeel: I was so surprised how clean this felt with the high abv and hops. Dry on the palette but leaves no offensive feeling.

Overall: props to Pipeworks for doing something different with this brew. Go out of your way for this brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 16:54:34 | More by KFBR392

WolfsbaneBloom

Illinois

3.03/5  rDev -25.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3

Batch #104

Appearance: Pours a hazy golden yellow with nice two fingers of frothy cream-colored foam.

Smell: Big lemon, grass, and onion notes hit the nose pretty hard. There's a nice layer of tropical fruit (pineapple and guava) lurking underneath but the onion and grass are so potent that it's hard to focus on and enjoy the sweeter, fruity aroma lying beneath.

Taste: Follows the nose unfortunately but minus the tropical fruit. Lemon, grass, more onion, dill, hints of lime and herbal spices with a thin caramel malt backbone. Buttery is not a term you should have to use in a beer review but that's exactly what this tasted like. Didn't pick up much alcohol, surprisingly.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, crisp, and quite smooth and velvety.

Overall, this one just didn't do it for me. I knew going in that it incorporated Sorachi Ace, a unique Japanese hop varietal known for imparting unusual aromas and flavors, but I wasn't sure how prevalent it would be. Something Hoppy was brewed with Columbus and Cascade hops as well but Sorachi unfortunately steals the show here. It's a personal preference but I'm just not a fan of this hop. I had heard people use "onion" as a descriptor in beer reviews before but this was the first time I'd actually encountered it for myself and it was a doozy.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 23:23:33 | More by WolfsbaneBloom

spicoli00

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Batch #104:

This was bottled approximately 5 days before consumption.

Can you say tongue boner?

Nice malt backbone lays down to a powerful hop smell and flavor. For me, the sorachi ace rules the show. Tropical fruit and pineapple flavors are most prevalent. The carbonation is spot on with some medium lacing. Alcohol is hidden well behind the hops and sweetness. Dangerously drinkable brew and one of my favorites from PW.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 21:14:15 | More by spicoli00

brewskis

Indiana

3.94/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours an opaque golden straw color with a half finger white head that dissipates slowly and leaves a thin ring of lacing. Has a very dank smell, along with bright citrus fruits like some lemon, orange, and grapefruit; as well as pine, grass, some carmel, maybe some coriander, herbal tea. Taste starts with resinous pine, grapefruit, some orange. Then a slight malt presence shows itself. Some graininess and carmel. Then get more pine, lots of lemon, maybe some lime, a hint of coriander, like an apricot note, an herbal tea quality as well. Do not get much booze at all, but do get a warming sensation after each sip. Very interesting and unique combination of hops. The sorachi ace adds a different element to this. Medium body with a creamy and oily mouthfeel and nice carbonation. A bright, clean bitterness lingers. Interesting IPA from Pipeworks.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 02:23:03 | More by brewskis

homebrew311

Illinois

3.86/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Pours a pale gold with nice clarity and a thin lay of head. The nose features resinous and floral cascade hops. A touch of savory/onion is in there as well beneath the dank bitter notes. The taste features bright floral notes with pine sap, honey, light caramel, and a fair amount of bitterness at the finish. Mouthfeel is sturdy with mild carbonation. Overall, another in your face hop forward dips from Pipeworks. I would describe the hop profile as unique, which I did not enjoy as much as some of the other hoppy brews from Pipeworks.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 05:57:52 | More by homebrew311

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle, batch 32, poured into a tulip glass.

A- Pours a slightly hazy golden color, topped with a finger of creamy white head, great retention and lacing.

S- Big citrus aroma, lots of lemon and grapefruit. Also picking up on some spice and a caramelly, buttery bread malt aroma. Some booze is noticeable as well.

T- Huge citrus, very forward with lemon and grapefruit. The malt is similarly aggressive, it's sweeter than I expected, with caramel and bready flavors. Hops dominate the finish with powerful pine and herbal flavors. Booze is really well-hidden.

M- Full-bodied, creamy feel, a bit of prickly carbonation towards the finish, as well as boozy warmth.

O- A great DIPA, this is another solid addition to Pipeworks' collection of IPAs.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2012 20:21:57 | More by WillCarrera

KDawg

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into a pint glass. Pours a dark orange color with a foamy head.

Very interesting aromatics of guava, pineapples, spices and florals as well. There is something in the spices that isn't working for me though.

Full bodied with a very smooth feel. Nice depth with spices, guava and pineapples. The spice note is dominating here as well.

This isn't my favorite pipeworks. There is some spice that isn't doing it for me. It could also be that sorachi hops don't work for me.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2012 23:05:40 | More by KDawg

Keyportnick

Wisconsin

3.28/5  rDev -19.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance-deep golden color with a off white single finger head that dissipates quickly.

Smell- I'm not getting much of anything on the smell besides some sweetness and deep mango.

Taste- deep lemon, mango and grass with a bitter finish.

Mouthfeel- highly carbonated yet creamy around the tongue.

Overall- very different take on imperial ipa. I'm familiar with Columbus and cascade style hops but not the sorachi ace varitey. Must be the promanite hop in the beer.

This beer was from batch #36

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 01:32:38 | More by Keyportnick

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Big head on cloudy deep yellow body. Hoppy aroma. Nothing like it smells, rather than solely citrus, getting pineapple and tropical fruit. Above average mouthfeel, not the palate eraser some DIPAs are. Very good drinkability.Thanks John for this little gem.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2012 01:23:42 | More by northyorksammy

Florida9

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Batch 36 (the second batch)

A: Slightly hazy orange-amber in color. Forms a small to moderate size lightly tanned head that slowly reduces to patchy surface coating. Light lacing.

S: Very aromatic, with a lot going on. Lemon and lemon zest dominate, with some grapefruit and then a sugary sweetness. A bit of herbal "green" spiciness, green peppercorns, and a faint hint of butterscotch mixed with a light alcoholic note.

T: Unfortunately, the taste is not as appealing as the aroma. The Sorachi Ace brings a lot of lemon to this beer, but it also brings a resiny lemon oil, and worse yet lots of lemon and grapefruit pith. Notes of toast, pine, and mild herbaceous hops, but the lemon pith still manages to push everything else to the side.

M: Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Strong pithy bitterness that borders on being acrid. This isn't a pine resin bitterness; it's an almost chemically bitterness. Aggressive and unrelenting.

O: This is a very hoppy brew, which I like. Unfortunately, Sorachi Ace is the dominant hop and it's a hop I can't stand. Which is too bad, because this beer is very well balanced with a nicely hidden 10% ABV. It's quite the fine beer, that is, if you like Sorachi Ace.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2012 01:57:52 | More by Florida9

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Thanks to doogie71628 for sending this as an extra in the LIF- really appreciate it!! 22oz bottle poured into Founders snifter. No bottle date that I see, but says Batch #32 hand written in green marker. I'm guessing this bottle has around a month (maybe slightly more but not much) on it.

A- Pours a slightly translucent and slightly hazy honey golden brown with about a finger of slightly yellowish just barely off-white fluffy head that recedes to about a quarter of a finger that has great retention and leaves layered lacing. Nice consistently rising carbonation bubbles.

S- Piney hops, melon, a hint of grass, and sweet caramel malts. Definitely above average aroma strength. A bit maltier then I like, but otherwise very pleasant.

T- Piney hops with a hint of citrus fruits and light lemon zest mixed with very sweet caramel malts and a slightly bitter finish. I can tell that the hops in this beer were present but definitely faded a little bit, which for me isn't necessarily bad thing since I'm not a huge fan of sorachi hops. Normally I don't like IPAs that are overly malty, but the malts in this beer are very good and make it easily drinkable with only a very faint taste of alcohol on the finish.

M- Medium bodied, extremely smooth, very drinkable especially at over 10%.

O- This was a very good high abv IPA, easily one of the better 10% IPAs that I've had- but definitely not my favorite IPA. This definitely stood right up there, maybe even slightly better then the Alpines that I've had. I would recommend this and I would like to try this beer again perhaps a little bit fresher.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2012 22:11:46 | More by jaasen64

emerge077

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Batch 36, second batch, no bottle date listed yet.

Glowing tropical sunset orange, slightly hazed with slowly rising carb trails. Drippy concentric rings of lacing as the glass is sipped. A thin layer of foam on the surface recedes to a ring and patchy skim.

Pungent resiny hops, lemon tea complexity of Sorachi Ace, with a light natural sweetness about it. Eucalyptus and lemon wafers, light lemon zest.

Medium bodied and velvety smooth, tangy citric bitterness with some slick hop oils on the back end. Creamy lemon custard, grassy botanicals, citrus peel bitterness, rich and resiny. A hop blast to the senses, yet still layered and complex. Dryish finish, though the abv is fairly well hidden. Fresh and interesting, a unique DIPA that i'll continue returning to.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2012 02:35:45 | More by emerge077

cnbrown313

Illinois

4.55/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours clear golden brown with a generous 2 finger head

S - Citrusy floral hops.

T - Lots of fresh hop taste! Nicely balanced and I would have never thought that this was a 10% ABV beer - the alcohol is almost totally hidden. There wasn't an overwhelmingly bitter taste that comes with big DIPA's either, but LOTS of fresh hop flavor.

M - Mouth feel was nice. Medium bodied with a nice amount of carbonation that allows the hops to shine through.

O - I picked this up the same day that I bought the Stone "Enjoy by 9.21.12" and honestly I liked the Pipeworks DIPA better (although both were great beers). I was a big fan of Pipeworks' "Ninja vs. Unicorn" too but I actually like this better. NVU had more of a fruity hop presence (almost mango or papaya-ish), but I am loving the citrusy hop blend that they chose for this as well. Great beer!

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2012 14:25:44 | More by cnbrown313

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.65/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Chicago Bears shaker pint glass.

I feel Tim Curry should be popping outta the label or something... Anyway, this stuff pours a mostly clear brass topped by a finger of lightly off-white foam. The nose comprises grapefruit zest, peach, light white grape, bright greens, light pine needles, and a touch of sweet caramel in the background. The taste eschews the fruit in favor of their rinds and the pine, all the while leaving the caramel to wallow in its death throes in the back room. The body is a lithe medium, with a light moderate carbonation, and a fairly sticky finish. Overall, a solid DIPA, but I think it would have really shined if the citrus and tropical fruits from the smell came through on the tongue. Still, not bad...

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2012 20:15:57 | More by TMoney2591

Treebs

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22 oz. bottle served in a FFF teku glass. Batch 32.

A:Pours a deep amber color with a chilled haze and clearing up as the beer warms. A dense head of foam, light yellow in color, forms on the pour and recedes slowly to thin cap and large collar. Splotches of sticky lace are left down the sides of the glass.

S: Big grass and grapefruit rind are the initial smells, but then the huge aromas of lemon zest, semi-bitter rind and lemon grass explode from the Sorachi Ace hops. It comes in waves, but the Sorachi is leading the charge towards the finish. Thankfully there is a heavy does of sugar cookie malts to balance out the hops. Very little noticeable booze.

T: Definitely zesty with some rind bitterness. Almost like a lemon tart when combined with the burnt sugar and plain cookie malts. Slight grassy notes with a sugar covered grapefruit balance, but the Sorachi hits you over the head again with big burst of lemony goodness. Barely any booze up front and only slightly noticeable as the beer warms.

M: Leaning towards the heavier side of medium bodied. There is a medium to high carbonation level which definitely makes it more drinkable. Sticky hop resins are left across the teeth and palate.

O: Big Sorachi Ace hops with a big malt backbone to carry it through. Very drinkable for 10% and the booze is barely noticeable. I still think I like NvU a little more for the drinkability, but I will be purchasing more of this. Especially if it sees regular production.

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2012 16:06:03 | More by Treebs

MasterSki

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from West Lakeview Liquors. Served in a Darkness glass.

A - Finger-plus of creamy white foam settles to a thick cap, leaving plenty of glass-coating lace. Lightly hazed golden orange body with tiny bubbles visible.

S - It's definitely got that characteristic lemony Sorachi Ace aroma, but with some spicy, herbal Columbus and grapefruit zest Cascade at the fringes. There's a hint of alcohol, and a buttered biscuit malt backdrop that's fairly understated for a 10% DIPA.

T - The taste is like a lemon tart, with bready and sugary malts, a hint of butter, and lemon zest. There's some pine and herb bitterness in the finish. Alcohol is better hidden here.

M - Creamy texture, pleasant moderate-to-low carbonation, medium-full body, and a dry and lightly resinous finish. Not much alcohol warmth either.

D - I was apprehensive about tackling a bomber of this by myself, but the first glass went down really quickly. I'm not sure how often I'd pick this over Ninja vs. Unicorn, but it's a nice problem to have. If you dig Sorachi Ace this is definitely worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 02:09:12 | More by MasterSki

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.38/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a Half Acre tulip.

A- hazy caramel with an2 finger frothy cream colored head. Big waves of lacing remain on the glass.

S- caramel, biscuit, lemon, melon, grass, spices.

T- sweet caramel with bitter lemon zest that continues throughout the beer. Spicy, grassy bitterness finishes out this beer.

M- medium body and carbonation. Thick creamy mouthfeel and abv is hidden very well.

O- excellent dipa. Another great hoppy beer from Pipeworks. Nice spicy, lemon bitterness from the Sorachi Ace hops works well in this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2012 01:23:55 | More by kawilliams81

ChiPool

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber into Duvel tulip. This is from batch #32, consumed & reviewed on 8/24/12.

So far, i've enjoyed the hop forward offerings from PB. SH looks pretty typical of the style: pumpkin colored, with an off-white head. There is a moderate amount of head here, with a generous amount of lacing. As I look into my glass, there is a neat little island of creamy foam has been steadfast since I started typing. On the nose, I get dried apricots. On the palate, there is an array of hop flavors: the variety has been meshed together quite nicely. The dried apricot on the nose is more pronounced on the palate. Pretty strong lingering bitterness on the back of my tongue. Sweet malts are present, balancing out the bitterness.

As this one has opened up, the complexity of the flavors have come into full bloom. Well done, Pipeworks! If Ninja v Unicorn was close, this seems to be neck & neck with Dreadnaught.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 23:48:06 | More by ChiPool

chanokokoro

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22 oz. bottle marked as Batch #32 into a Pipeworks branded stemmed globe glass/snifter

Pours a dark gold with amber and orange hues with a one and half finger bright white head. Some splotchy lacing as the head recedes. The lemongrass is very prevalent on the nose, undoubtedly the contribution of Sorachi Ace hops,and is joined by citrus blossom notes. Much like the nose, lemongrass and citrus blossoms initially, mild sweetness midpalate, and it finishes with a flood of grapefruit rind bitterness and warming alcohol. Extremely creamy and smooth mouthfeel, hefty malt backbone, and a perfect level of carbonation. Despite a hop profile that imparts more subtle flavors upfront(considering this is a IIPA/DIPA) this is a big beer that builds to a boozy, bitter end. Another very enjoyable brew from Pipeworks.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 02:46:11 | More by chanokokoro