Hop Henge India Pale Ale - Deschutes Brewery

MLegendre

Oregon

3.8/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Dark gold/amber, about a 2" fluffy off-white head. Head melts at a steady rate leaving quite a bit of lacing. Lot's of visible carbonation. I usually don't do this, but I have to mention that I love the label on the bottle. It definatly is "Hop Henge"

S:Hops dominate the smell but they are rather light. There is also a strong presense of malt and fruitiness.

T: Sweetness shows up first, but only lasts for a few seconds before the hops come in and take over for the rest of the ride. I liked the malt presense, and how it wasn't too strong and didn't last too long. Hops are very piney and very bitter leaving a very, very bitter aftertaste. At first I was kind of indiferent about it, but the more I drank it the more it grew on me. Reminded me of a more balanced Lost Coast Indica.

M: Pretty standard for an IPA, medium bodied, good amount of carbonation. very smooth.

D: Very high hop levels which will please hopheads. I tend to like IPA's with out a whole lot of sweetness, but this one had just the right level. I'd drink it more often if it was easier to find.

Serving type: bottle

08-30-2006 05:33:37 | More by MLegendre

bsuedekum

Missouri

4/5  rDev -5.4%

04-11-2013 00:10:52 | More by bsuedekum

leedorham

Washington

4.75/5  rDev +12.3%

01-21-2013 18:41:49 | More by leedorham

Daniellobo

District of Columbia

3.9/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Nice resinous offering.

Presentation: 22 oz brow capped bottle. Label with an illustration mimicking Stone Henge where the stones are sacks full of hops. Small side narrative offering main intent and characteristics. Notes best by 04-25-12 and 8.5% Alc. by Vol. Served in a tulip glass.

A - Clear pale to deep amber pour, rich frothy head, nice retention, surface memory and lacing.

S - Slightly subdued nose, light resinous note, citric, grassy and floral hint...

T - Which shine a bit more in the palate with plenty of resin, some muted citric notes, grass, malty backbone with a dash of caramel…

M - Leading to a nice medium/full body with medium carbonation, and a slightly sticky flow over the bitter finish.

O - Not quite a monument to hops but a nice exercise in any case.

Notes: Maybe my palate has been broken by hops beyond what one needs to appreciate this brew. It is rather nice, but it does not feel particularly assertive or outstanding. Aroma is unfortunately short in this incarnation, but luckily the flavor holds it up.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 13:48:16 | More by Daniellobo

jfcaa193

Connecticut

4/5  rDev -5.4%

02-19-2012 03:55:25 | More by jfcaa193

rudy0908

Missouri

5/5  rDev +18.2%

01-28-2012 04:33:03 | More by rudy0908

Beertracker

Oklahoma

5/5  rDev +18.2%

12-13-2011 01:42:45 | More by Beertracker

vince4953529

California

5/5  rDev +18.2%

11-15-2011 04:02:54 | More by vince4953529

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes.

Poured into a tulip. Body is a nice orange-caramel color with a white head and some pretty good lacing. The nose brings some citrus, floral, and pine hops with a tad bit of malt in the background. The taste is slightly bready with a nice hop component and good bitterness. Good body and a nice bitter to flavor balance.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2010 22:49:02 | More by Thorpe429

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4.1/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Vibrancy in the orange appearance. Big craggy head. Clumps and retains and stains. Great aroma, more pine than I'm used to in a Deschutes offering.

Pick up massive orange and tangerine notes in the initial sips. And of course, hops providing those. Gets a little heavy downbottle (like all Henge versions). Nothing to cry about though, neat to see the beer evolve in front of you from pine to citrus to as if it had some wood chips in it at the end. Alcohol barely pronounced.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2010 23:03:06 | More by Beerandraiderfan

zornbeast

Hawaii

4.38/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a Pint Glass out of a bottle, first DIPA picked up out here in Hawaii, very nice pick up.

A- Amber color, great head retention
S- Clear Hop character shines through but malt is present as well, nice for style
T- Great IPA flavor, balanced with great backbone of malt but American hops come throughout the beer. Smooth from start to finish, almost creamy.
M- Thick for IPA but considering 7ABV this approaches DIPA territory and is right on for DIPA.
D- Taste and aroma lead the way while mouthfeel detracts very little, very good for style and had no problem finishing bomber.

Look forward to more Deschutes!!!

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2008 04:49:55 | More by zornbeast

Tolann

Colorado

4.47/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - reddish in color. Not completely clear. some suspended particles, but not over clouded. Small bit of head that clings onto the glass trying it's best to stay alive.

S - Could smell it as the glass was set down next to me. Lots of hops and spice. Some gooey caramel. some earthy notes when you stick your nose right in it.

T - really good. I didn't feel that it was overly hoppy. There's some malt that keeps the bitterness in control

M - Some dry feel. Medium/light mouthfeel Not too much carbonation. Really feel the taste at the back and roof of your mouth. Nice after taste.

D - Just may have to get more of this tho I know there's another in the fridge. I don't see myself getting tired of this beer and I don't feel I'd drink it too fast into the danger zone. I can see enjoying this for a good long nite.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2008 03:47:40 | More by Tolann

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

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

Pours a cloudy brownish/red. The nose has a very strong scent of sweet ripe cherries. But the flavor is not so sweet. Slight bitter taste with a heavy, earthy, leafy tone. Definite influence from the mass of hops used to produce this one. Overall it is good, rich and hearty.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2007 02:51:32 | More by RblWthACoz

Wasatch

Utah

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

22oz. Bomber

Pours a nice golden orange color, nice carbonation, nice small creamy off-white head, some nice sticky lacing follows. The nose is big on hops, slight malts, citrus, piney, and some caramel. The taste is a hop bomb, slight malty, good dose of citrus/pines, and caramel. The finish is dry/very bitter. Medium body. Very drinkable, really enjoyed this one, highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2007 23:39:37 | More by Wasatch

July2Nov

Hawaii

4.1/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Great lace that holds very well. Cloudy-golden yellow-brown.
S: Smell the hops. Has a fresh, clove smell. Clean and crisp.
T&M: Hops upfront, nutty with a faint acidic taste. Finishes with a dryness that good IPA's have. Leaves that mouth with that cotton sensation.
D: Will see this one again in the near future. Very tasty!

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2007 04:44:36 | More by July2Nov

DrJay

Massachusetts

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

Received from fartingdog as part of BC2. Thanks Dave!
This one poured a fairly hazy burnt orange colour with a yellowish/beige head. The foam was a little thin from the pour, but it showed good retention and produced plenty of lacing down the glass. Hop aromas were citrusy up front, mostly orange with a bit of grapefruit, some grassiness, a little floral. There was a faint caramel sweetness and a powdery hop note in the background. Even with the big hoppiness, the aroma stayed quite soft - no hop aggression, nice balance. Bitterness was sturdy and grew into the finish. Caramel sweetness, fruity citrus, and a spicy hop finish rounded things out. Medium/light bodied with soft, well-integrated carbonation and a creamy texture. Overall, very well balanced with plenty of hops and a solid maltiness. Definitely recommended.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2007 14:30:27 | More by DrJay

atigerlife

Hawaii

3.88/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Magoos.

Pours a cloudy brown/orange. Looks somewhat like apple cider. Nice creamy light brown head on top that lasts.

Aroma is hops, citrus and some pine. Not very aromatic [or it could have been the bar setting].

Taste is hops, hops and hops. Some floral hints, grapefruit and somewhat grassy. But obviously the hops dominate.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and quite dry.

Overall, an interesting beer from this great brewery. I'm no hop head, so I don't think I'd be drinking this all night, but it was good for the style. Interesting and enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

04-29-2007 17:34:04 | More by atigerlife

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.35/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This brew has recently been reformulated and the abv increased to more around 8% or so. I'm reviewing the previous incarnation at 7%. This beer pours an orangish amber with a frothy off white head and great lacing. The smell is of biscuits, apricots, and sweet malt. The hops are very restrained. The taste on the other hand is very hoppy with extremely fruity hops. Nice flavors there of apricots, grapefruit pulp, and papaya. Malty background with tangy malt and even a little saltiness. Delicious overall and a bit different from other west coast IPAs. The mouthfeel is a little grainy and thick, but good body and carbonation level. Good drinkability, but a little heavy and unusual for a lot of them.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2007 20:11:07 | More by Georgiabeer

russpowell

Oklahoma

4.28/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

BBD of 4/27/07

07 Version pours copper/orange with 3 fingers of fluffy head. Superoir lacing & very good head retention

S: Nothing up front, but then earthy hoppyness & whisper of fruit. This was the only area this beer let me down

T: Huge grapefruitty hops & then a little fruittyness up front. Peppery hops fill in a little before piney & grapefruitty hops re-attack. As this warms breadyness & fruittyness surface. Finishes with warming, grapefruit pop, a little fruittyness & very quenching indeed

MF: Healthy carbonation that brings out the hops. Medium- bodied, skews hoppy

Drinks so easy, a pretty aggressive hoppy IPA, this really works for me

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2007 06:48:34 | More by russpowell

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Acquired via trade from northertimber, so a big “Thank you” goes out to him.
Poured from a 22oz. bottle into a mug glass.

A: The beer is a bright orange color, with a good-sized foamy off-white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: There’s a strong aroma of hops, with a heavy caramelized malt background and a decent citrus sweetness.

T: A good burst of hops bitterness starts out and prevails as the dominant flavor. The flavors of caramel and tangy citrus follow quickly. Although the beer has a healthy malt character, it has just the right amount of sweetness. The after-taste is very mild and contains all of the previously mentioned flavors.

M: Crisp and very smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, very clean finish.

D: Very tasty, goes down easily, it has a good kick to it, excellent representation of style, this is a damn good beer, the kind where one bomber just isn’t enough.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2007 01:28:49 | More by TheManiacalOne

flexabull

California

3.55/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours from a very cool bomber... Stone Henge covered in hops, I like it.

Beer is a nice clear amber color, with a decent head.

Aromas are a bit weak. Where are the hops?! I just notice some sweet tart malts on the nose. Disappointing smells coming from this one.

Taste is pretty good, but once again... where are the hops?! This beer comes across as crisp, dry, slightly sweet, and with just the faintest hint of hoppiness.

Mouthfeel is pretty good, but unspectacular.

Drinkability? Yeah, this is a drinkable beer, but I was looking forward to a more hoppy West Coast style IPA, what I got was a drinkable, but muted American IPA. However, I'd be willing to give this beer a second chance if they brew it again, because I think this bottle was a bit too old.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2006 08:13:31 | More by flexabull

objectivemonkey

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

WIth heaps of head, pours a slightly copper twinged amber with the head settling into a foamy mess of goodness. Aroma is very floral and just a juicy load of hops and I just really like it. Taste has a nice pine and citris combo hop hit up front, a pretty good bittering there, with a nice and sweet almost candy-like malt, a good caramel malt hanging around, playing second fiddle, but fiddling away. A lighter body had me a little taken aback, was hoping it'd settle into a fuller feel, but nice slight alcohol warmth, and a generally good smooth mouth in whole. All in all, I wish I lived on the west coast. :)

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2006 03:06:17 | More by objectivemonkey

ybnorml

Rhode Island

3.93/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A dark coppery amber with a slight haze. Has big foamy beige head and very good lace. There is a combo piney and grapfruit hop character that dominates the aroma, with one switching in the forefront every time you smell it. There is a light biscuity malt note in the background. Yep it's hoppy. Again a battle for your taste buds between the citrusy hops and the piney hops. Has the piney hops winning on the finish for a sharp dry finish.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2006 18:20:05 | More by ybnorml

RedwoodGeorge

California

4.08/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

More hoppiness from Deschutes - I guess when you brew where they grow the hops you tend to focus on Pale Ales and IPAs!

The beer pours a deep cloudy orange with a one finger off-white head. The crown falls down after a few sips but leaves a good bit of lacing on the glass throughout the drink.

The smell is a lot like their "Hop Trip" fresh hopped Pale Ale - a very clear, clean fresh green leafy smell mixed in with the more expected citrus rind and pine aromas. The nose is very sharp and fresh with juicy oils. There is a bit of a sweet note as well which somewhat detracts from the light, clear hop smells.

The flavor is exactly what you'd expect with that smell - it's a bit sweet up front followed by two or three waves of hops - first the oily fresh cut lawn flavors, then the citric grapefruit rind notes and last the earthy pine flavors. The malt has enough to stand up to all those hops and maintains a golden grain foundation throughout the sip. One of the reasons I like Double IPAs is that the malt bill is usually larger and can stand up to balance out the hop assault - here Deschutes does it in a single IPA. (Frankly, even with the 'somewhat low' 7% ABV I'd be happy to consider this a double and feel it would compare well with most DIPAs)

The mouthfeel was okay but a bit of a letdown. The strong malt backbone that balanced out the flavors so well tended to make the beer feel quite heavy and left a bit of a sticky sweet coating on the palate. Surprisingly the carbonation and bittering (which was plentiful) wasn't enough to give the drink a good, dry finish.

All in all I'm a bit mixed on this one... The hops are fantastic and have almost all the freshness and brightness that Deschutes' fresh hopped beer had. They obviously know how to get the most out of their hops and how to keep the flavors intact. Unfortunately the sweet aftertaste was a distraction from the hops and would likely discourage me from choosing this if offered many other IPAs. I guess mostly I'm disappointed because this was almost a great IPA but turned out to be just a very good IPA - not exactly a fatal flaw.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2006 04:25:03 | More by RedwoodGeorge

MaltyGoodness

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz.bottle purchased at The Jug Shop in San Francisco

Pours a hazy orange-amber with a fluffy white head that thins. Thick lacing on the glass.

Aroma is citrusy with a noticable grapefruit smell. Very aromatic.

Taste is all citrusy hops, but the grapefruit doesn't come across as much in the flavor. A big bitter hop bite grabs your tongue and rides it into the aftertaste. Solid.

Full body, slick texture.

This is a very nice IPA. Definitely scratches my hop itch.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2006 23:50:35 | More by MaltyGoodness