Gandhi-Bot Double IPA - New England Brewing Co.

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at NEBCO

Peach-amber color, hazy, with a finger or so of foamy white head; moderate retention and lacing. Nice hoppy aroma, citrus, pine, tropical fruit, light floral notes, some malty sweetness detectable. Again in the taste, lots of hops, orange, grapefruit, pine, pineapple, sweet malt base with a touch of honey and/or orange blossom in there. Definitely had a bitter bite to it, but the sweetness took a bit of the edge off, and it was pretty smooth for an 8.8% beer. Medium body, easily drinkable for the style, and overall quite good.

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2013 02:13:33 | More by Rifugium

ElijahRivera

New York

4.11/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Tap and Tea Room in Albany, NY.

A-Pours a dark gold to amber with a thin off white head that quickly dissipates. The lack of head could have been due to an improper poor, but the beer did seem to be lower in carbonation than I would expect.

S-Aroma is like sticking your face into a bag of fresh hops with all the juniper and grapefruit pith aromas that come along with that. Very strong, very pleasant.

T-Similarly, like biting into that same bag of hops. The first sip shocks your palate with a very strong showing of hop bitterness and aroma, then it drops off quickly as your palate becomes accustomed to the hoppiness. It seems to me that the flavor doesn't quite keep up with the aroma. Definitely a lot citrus and piney hops flavor up front then you get just a hint of the malts trying their hand at a balancing act they are losing and then the hops come back for a strong finish.

M-Very resinous, with some dextrins positively affecting the mouthfeel I believe. The mid to full body and uncharacteristically low carbonation are overshadowed by the almost syrup like quality the dextrins and over aggressive dry hopping imparted to this beer. It is more than I would normally expect from a double IPA, but I enjoyed it because it made Gandhi Bot stand out. However, the low carbonation was a negative.

O-This beer is all about the hops. The incredibly aromatic hops deliver the right amount of bitterness that is balanced in part by the malt and in part by the alcohol. Overall, this very smooth beer is definitely worth a try and would likely put up a decent fight against even your favorite double/imperial IPAs. I would definitely try this again.

Serving type: on-tap

04-15-2013 17:49:18 | More by ElijahRivera

kscaldef

Oregon

3.45/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Cloudy yellow with lots of bubbles and a dense, creamy white head. Aroma is strong piney, citrusy and resiny. The beer is bracingly bitter, but there's not a lot of flavor contribution from the hops. A real tongue scraper. Good carbonation and medium body. Pretty nice, but I'd like to see a bigger hop flavor contribution.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2012 01:45:23 | More by kscaldef

Damian

Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Drank on-tap at Brü Rm. at BAR, New Haven, CT
Served in a tapered glass

The liquid poured a slightly hazed, golden amber color and was topped by a thin, flimsy cap of froth. Streaks of lacing trickled down the glass.

The aroma was simply astounding. Super hoppy and fragrant. Tropical fruits galore. Mango, pineapple and papaya dominated. Peach and apricot notes also came through strong. Quite sweet. The sweetness however seemed to come from the rich fruitiness of the hop profile, rather than from the malts. Overall, exotic and intense.

The flavor profile was intensely hoppy as well. Unlike the nose, however, the hops here were dry and pithy. Moderately bitter. Lots of grapefruit rind. Strong notes of pine sap. Touch of pale malts to keep the bitterness in check. Some tangerine was also detectible. The finish was dank and resiny. Quite bitter and dry.

The body seemed somewhat lighter than your average DIPA. Perhaps this was due to the restrained use of malts. The liquid contained a moderate amount of carbonation and felt slick, creamy and smooth on the palate.

Gandhi-Bot is a really solid West Coast-style double IPA. I love seeing brewers in my home state of Connecticut receiving accolades with beers like this one. Keep up the great work.

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2012 06:48:17 | More by Damian

Durge

Connecticut

4.3/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Happy to find this at Pies & Pints in Middlebury, CT, this favorite DIPA shows a bright amber color with a very modest white head and decent lacing. The aroma speaks of lemon-grapefruit and a pleasant caramel base. Very nice. The flavor brings lots more citrus bite and cramel sweetness. This approaches being cloying with a medium-heavy body and somewhat viscous feel. The hops are the theme here but it does carry some hints of cereal grain with the caramel sweetness. But let’s just call a spade a spade, it’s just a hop lovers retreat. Love it, tap or can, one of my favorites for a hop fix.

Serving type: on-tap

04-13-2012 02:51:03 | More by Durge

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.63/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the Armsby Abbey. This was alot better than the can I had last year from what I remember. Served in a snifter.

A - Pours a wonderful hazy orange with a one finger creamy head that clings to the glass like some obsessed star struck fan to a backstage pass.Big, heavy side lacing and a thick offwhite blanket atop the brew. Spectactular.

S - Again, just awesome. Big floral hops and great oil notes. Pine, grapefruit, and orange. Stellar. Super fragrant and inviting.

T - More of the same. Nice malts but super delicious hops. Great pine oils and citrus notes. Almost juicy, super flavorful.

M - Another great feature. Smooth and creamy with enough carbonation to prevent it from getting too hot. Very drinkable.

O - Overall, I loved this beer on tap more than I did the can last year. This stuff is clearly a spectactular DIPA and deserves every bit of fame it garnishes. A much buy whenever one has the chance.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2011 00:38:49 | More by rudzud

xerotime

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Served in a snifter at Armsby Abbey.

Beer pours a hazy burnt orange color with a creamy persistent white head. Heavy aroma of citrus - pineapple, tangerine, grapefruit and just enough malt to carry it. Taste is more of the same with the malts being just enough to balance the heavy load of hops. Medium bodied with just the right amount of carbonation. Overall, one of my favorite double IPAs that I always try to pick up whenever I "can".

Serving type: on-tap

07-23-2011 13:55:01 | More by xerotime

SWMeyer4141

Texas

4.53/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance-Hazy Orange/Brown. Off White 1 finger head that leaves substantial lacing and dissipates into a thin film.

Smell-Piney, Floral and Citrus hops. Little malts. Aroma very fragrant and very inviting.

Taste-Upfront a lot of bitter grapefruit, followed by some more sweet fruits with a nice malt finish.

Mouthfeel-Little hot going down, but smooth and lightly creamy. Medium bodied with less carbonation then most IIPAs

Overall-The guys at NEBCO continue to do great things, and I'm glad I finally got to try the Gandhi bot. Phenomonal beer.

on 7/10/11 had it again in a can, and this beer is fucking fantastic. Lots of floates, which I'm not sure is normal.

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2011 14:12:37 | More by SWMeyer4141

Prime16

Connecticut

4.93/5  rDev +14.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Pours straw color - off white head.

S: Big hop aroma- citrus, very fragrent, grapefruit-imagine grabbing a handful of hops, rubbing them together in your hands and putting it up to your nose, outstanding!

T: The qualities of the aroma carry over to the taste. Great hop profile, citrus and piney. Finishes well and not overly bitter considering the intense hop flavor.

M: Nicely carbonated and well balanced.

O: One of my favorite beers - New England Brewing makes some of the best brewed beers and can easily compete with the big names in Craft Beer.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2011 16:19:32 | More by Prime16

DNICE555

Connecticut

4.68/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap at Mikro with R Moe Nay, Pustevlaho, Andrea, and Jlynn. Looks like the yellow brick road... clear, golden, and carbonated. Smells of grapefruit, citrus, and HOPS! So hoppy and such a fruity sweetness to balance it out. This DIPA fresh is tough to beat. Pliny and Topper are the only beers off hand that I can think of that rival it. I absolutely love the hop profile of this beer. The alcohol is completely hidden and a clean smooth feel would be an understatement. Love having this brewery in my state. The only thing I can think of that distinguishes this beer on tap from the can is the ever so slight freshness of the hops and carbonation is dead on. The score if the same for the can because I can give the taste a 4.7 for the bottle and 4.6 for the can respectively.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2011 16:48:29 | More by DNICE555

beer4colin

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Hazy golden wheat in a 12 oz pour with a UBH head.
S- a hops explosion. Very fresh and clean. (I wish my clothes smelled like this from the dryer)
T- crisp tangy hops sits well on the tongue. Finish is a good hop/ alcohol warmth but nocomplaints.
MF- Good body. You know you have something in your mouth.
D- Hopheads would delight and drink it all night.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2010 21:13:45 | More by beer4colin

Casey10

Maine

4.6/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap at the Alehouse in Amesbury Ma.

I really, really liked this. While I am a fan of cans have yet to try that version hopefully can get my hands on some to compar.

A - Golden yellow pours hazy white head.

S - Grapruit, floral, pungent really fresh and nice.

T - I loved this was very much in line with a west coast style lots of citrus and hoppy.

M - Again a nice hoppy mouthfeel sticks with you makes your lips smack just from the feel of the citrus.

D - Like I said I liked this found it VERY drinkable and look forward to trying the canned version.

NEBC - please make this a regular in your line up !!

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2010 23:32:16 | More by Casey10

begforme4484

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an orange/gold color with a slight haze. Ample white head with good lacing on the glass.

Aroma is citrus. Damn. I've never smelled an eastern brewed IPA or DIPA with this signature West Coast citrus scent. It has tons of citrus on the nose with some floral hops mixed in too. Some piney notes in there as well and very slight malts.

The taste is VERY reminiscent of Sculpin. Which is saying a lot for Sculpin as it's a single IPA. Anyways. Lots of grapefruit and citrus up front with a bit of floral and grassy hops. A hint of malt sweetness before the bitter tinge takes over and sits on your palette.

I was lucky to find this on tap at Plan B in Glastonbury. Needless to say, I will be filling my Stone 2L growler very shortly at the brewery.

Excellent DIPA.

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2010 04:51:04 | More by begforme4484

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.38/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pinkish, orange color and very cloudy. Thick, tight head which settles very slowly.

Sweet honey (malt) and prickly pine (hop) smell. In a word, the aroma is balanced.

Strong bitter hop flavor. Starts with a very brief round malt taste. Excellent body with a below typical carbonation. Long lip-smacking bitter aftertaste.

Serving type: on-tap

05-30-2010 00:33:03 | More by smcolw

callmemickey

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at BA IST release and at Delaney's

A: Dark golden body. Medium sized off-white head. Quickly receded, but left behind a decent coating of lacing on the glass.

S: Huge blast of grapefruit. A touch of pine and some caramel malt. This is a massively aromatic brew. Smells fantastic.

T: I really, really wanted to like this after taking in a hearty sniff of the nose. The taste, however, just didn't do it for me. I found it to be one dimensional: massive bitter grapefruit. It lost the complexity that was present in the nose and was a tad on the boring side of things despite the massive hop presence.

M: Medium bodied. I found it to be over-carbonated and prickly. Huge bitter bite in the finish.

D: In the end, Gandhi Bot was a nice attempt, but ultimately out hopped itself. The taste was bold but one dimensional and the carbonation levels really slowed this down.

Serving type: on-tap

04-25-2010 01:41:39 | More by callmemickey

kevanb

Illinois

4.24/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12oz can poured into a stemless wine glass, many thanks to Treebs for the fresh can.

The beer pours a hazy copper orange color, hues of honey and straw with a 2 finger soapy white head that dissipates quickly and leaves just a spot of lace behind. The aroma is heavy on citrus, mainly grapefruit with bits of tangerine, grassy hops, wildflower and fresh meadowy earthiness, light pine and just a touch of sweet malt. Lots of bitter pine, fresh floral flavors and citrus goodness on the tongue. The grapefruit plays nicely with some lemongrass and other weedy, grassy flavors and the pine really ties it together with just enough crisp, almost spiciness from the hops. There is just a touch of sweet pale malt at the end, but this is all hops. The body is great, coats the mouth well, quite juicy at times that has an almost creamy texture at times but finishes wonderfully dry.

Verdict: A damn fine IPA from NEBCO, bitter, piney, citrusy, flavorful and most importantly, balanced. While I'm sure that this beer gets overshadowed by Heady and the Hill Farmstead IPA craze, this can easily hold it's own and is deserving of all praises and accolades.

Serving type: can

05-20-2013 02:31:05 | More by kevanb

Gmann

New York

3.73/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a dirty golden color with a soapy off white head that settled into a sparse cap.

The aroma is of herbal/fruity hops. An onion and overripe tropical fruit profile; orange and pineapple. It seems that every hoppy beer I have out of a can has the same exact aroma, weird.

Big tropical fruit hop flavor. Lots of pineapple and apricot. This is followed by a grassy and piney hop which lasts through the finish. The malt is bready but takes a back seat to the hops. Resiny metallic bitterness in the finish.

Moderate feel with moderate carbonation. Starts sweet on the palate but ends very much bitter.

Expected more from this beer. More of an east coast dipa. Hop profile not my favorite but it packs a punch.

Serving type: can

05-18-2013 21:16:39 | More by Gmann

JMScowcroft

Vermont

4.8/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

New England Brewing Co. - Gandhi-Bot Double IPA - 12fl oz can

Thanks to Hendry for being able to snag me four of these bad boys. Gotta love the awesome artwork on these cans.

Look - Pours a hazy darker amber brown with a massive soapy head. Super sticky abundant lacing. Moderate carbonation. East Coast DIPA for sure.

Smell - All of the hops. Pine, citrus (sour typical grapefruit version here), some floral, and even a smidgen of resin hop aromas with an almost spicy bite on the edge of it. Smooth caramel malts underneath. Perfect.

Taste - A phenomenal introduction blend of the somewhat darker malts with a nice pine/resin hop overlay. After this is immediately transforms into a glorious grapefruit bomb.

Mouthfeel - Rests sour citrus grapefruit hops on the roof of the mouth and the palate. Slightly boozy and a little warming to the face and stomach.

Overall - Wow. This is one for the books here, what a great brew! Highly recommend! Cheers! You can compare this brew somewhat to Heady Topper, but it has its own flair with the different malts and less of a floral hit.

Serving type: can

05-17-2013 11:25:42 | More by JMScowcroft

Hendry

Vermont

4.68/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Ahh, the long awaited Ghand-Bot finally in hand! Props to J.T. & Drew @ Westmere Beverage on the outskirts of Albany,NY for the Heady Topper/Ghandi-Bot swap. Ghandi-Bot tends to disappear quickly from the shelves, and now I understand why. The artwork on the can is bizarre and likeable all at once, yet builds intrigue.

Pours a cloudy burnt orange with a fluffy two finger cotton head that remains for a few minutes before reducing to a tight permanent cap atop this pleasant looking IIPA. Lacing is relatively average in the tulip glass. There is a slight amount of chunky yeast in there, but that isn't a minus in my book.

Upon expecting a tropical fruit salad to emit from cracking the 12 oz. can, I found myself equally intrigued with the piney-ness and herbal quality to the nose: don't expect the nose to jump out at you like a can of Heady Topper. There is even a slight catty quality to the nose due to NEBCO's selection of hops, but I have to admit, this is the first time that subtle aroma gave character rather detracted for my tastes.

Whatever qualities that may be perceived as missing from the aroma are quickly redeemed in the taste of Ghandi-Bot. Piney, resinous hops: semi sticky & chewy, interesting yeast interplay.
Flavors are strong pine and herb with some grapefruit rind making an appearance, and the lively carbonation moves things along without making too much of a statement. Medium bodied and very smooth drinking, no notes of alcohol or warming.

The grapefruit kick is understated in the initial flavors, but plays out nicely in a long lasting bitter aftertaste that is almost slightly cidery. All in all, there is juicy, tangy yet slightly savory quality rather than straight out sweet. Fans used to the tropical infusion in a can (i.e.Heady Topper) should welcome the qualities Ghandi-Bot has to offer.

Highly recommended and worthy of the solid ratings it has earned. I still think Heady Topper is superior overall because of the massive tropical overload, but Ghandi-Bot has nothing to apologize for: go buy some if you can find it, this one sells quickly.

Serving type: can

05-12-2013 02:12:24 | More by Hendry

mjtiernan

New York

4.41/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz can poured into an oversized stemmed tulip

A: Orange red color, slightly hazy, not much head on it...just a ring around the edge with some spotted coverage on top.

S: Mostly citrus hop aroma with slight tropical notes and some biscuity malt. Slight aroma of alcohol as well.

T: Just great. Lots and lots of citrus balanced nicely with some cookie-like malt. Nice bitter finish.

M: A dry beer for so much hop presence. I would have expected it to be more oily. Nicely bitter but not a palate-killer, medium body and low-to-medium carb.

O: Very clean. All the ingredients shine through. Wonderful flavor and a pleasure to drink.

Serving type: can

05-10-2013 02:43:13 | More by mjtiernan

BTVflatlander

Vermont

4.38/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a growler of Gandhi just this afternoon at NEBCO. At $15 a growler, it better be good.

Served in a Gandhi Bot snifter.

A: A tad more orange than some other DIPAs I've had, although there's that one I never pour.

S: Lots of hops, more citrus than pine, although both are present.

T: Bitter hops in the beginning, followed by bitter citrus. Not quite grapefruit, though. Very crisp. One of the few DIPAs I've had with a pleasing balance between hop and malt.

M: Heavy, classic high alcohol DIPA.

O: I must admit, I was not terribly impressed when I first had Gandhi from a can, especially since I paid $15 for a 4-pack. However, seeing that I've since come to appreciate a good IPA and DIPA, I decided to give it a try on tap. And, I must say, I was painfully mistaken. Gandhi joins the likes of Heady Topper and many of Hill's IPAs as some of the best-done IPAs in my book. I was astonished to learn that NEBCO has been in my former back yard for years and even more astonished that good old Connecticut could produce a DIPA to rival those of the Green Mountain State. I will undoubtedly be returning to Gandhi over and over again whilst in the 203.

Serving type: growler

05-10-2013 00:05:24 | More by BTVflatlander

Treebs

Illinois

4.16/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Big thanks to cosmicevan for sending a few cans of this my way. Served in a Funkwerks snifter.

A: Pours a hazy orange color with a frothy white head forming on the pour. It recedes to a thick ring that leaves some sticky and soapy looking lace.

S: Grapefruit with some mild honey dew melon. A little orange with sweet bread malts. Nice citrus notes with a great malt backbone.

T: A little more maltier on the palate, but there's a nice bitterness that counteracts this. Grapefruit, some citrus rind, candied lemon and some mild resinous bitterness.

M: Medium to light bodied with a slightly bitter finish. Medium carbonation level with a slightly dry texture.

O: Really nice. Easy drinking, nice balance of flavors. Coming in a can is a plus for sure as well.

Serving type: can

05-09-2013 23:26:31 | More by Treebs

ItalianHopHead203

Connecticut

5/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Hands Down the Best Beer in Connecticut!!!

Top 3 IPA's I've ever had!!!

Top two can beers I've ever had!!!

This beer was once a Connecticut only brew and now New England is venturing off into NY. Lucky Them!!!

Just enough availability to it that its still rare, but you can get it enough that its not impossible.

Serving type: can

05-09-2013 14:26:38 | More by ItalianHopHead203

MatthewPlus

Florida

4.1/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A big thanks to ManMoosePig for this beer. in his FIRST trade. i suspect there will be many more.

12oz can poured into a J Wakefield snifter.

A- one finger head, slightly rocky, atop a cloudy deep goldenrod hue.

S- pine, citrus of orange, grapefruit, tangerine. resinous undertones.

T- Balanced malt backbone, leads to hoppy, floral/citrus balance. not as bitter as i thought it would be.

M- syrupy, less carbonated than i would prefer. medium/short finish.

O- i was a bit disappointed in this one. Very drinkable, but in relation to the stellar scores it has received, it fell quite a bit short. if it were available locally, i would buy it, but wouldnt rave about it.

Again, a big thanks to ManMoosePig. Beautiful box.

EDIT:
This fucking crazy person, ManMoosePig, sent me a free box of super fresh Gandhi-Bot because he didnt like my review! What a nut!
Seriously dude thanks so much... completely unsolicited and unexpected. Advocate.

This go-round, i got quite a bit more pine in the nose, which is much more floral overall and hop-forward. It still has a big malt backbone and fresher seems to carry more of a honey-sweetness. Long finish and overall the freshness make a noticeable difference. Thanks again brother!

Serving type: can

04-27-2013 01:18:29 | More by MatthewPlus

beerpirates

Belgium

4/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz can poured into my CBS snifter

A - Pours a hazy, medium orange with a two finger light tan head. Good retention and lacing.

S - Citrusy, oranges zest , lemons, grapefruit followed by a slight sweet maltiness.

T - Same as the smell, but a bit more malty.

D - Slight bitter finish. Good carbonation and a slightly chewy.

O - This is a nicely balanced IPA with a nice bitter aftertaste that stays a long time !

Serving type: can

04-24-2013 18:32:18 | More by beerpirates