Hop Crisis - 21st Amendment Brewery

sholland119

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Station Taproom, 10/31.

A-A clear honey amber with good sticky lacing from a thin white head.

S-Lots of citrus hop goodness with an especially strong grapefruit character.

T-Hop BOMB! Grapefruit rind, prickly tangerine hops, some light malt and just a hint of sweetness in the finish. Somewhat boozy, as one would suspect from the ABV.

M-Light side of medium bodied with good crisp carbonation and some heat.

D-Very smooth for the ABV, almost dangerously drinkable. Some boozy heat but quite manageable.

HV

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2010 22:14:02 | More by sholland119

Chincino

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had Hop Crisis at the 21st Amendment brewery in San Francisco. It was served to me in a pint glass and was a golden yellow/orangish color with about a 1/2 inch of white froth at the top. It smelled of citrus-perhaps orange and peach and also of pine. I loved this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2010 23:59:59 | More by Chincino

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap at Max's today.

I'll say this, the beer certainly looks like a keeper. This beer pours a light peachy orange color with good head retention and lacing. The nose is likewise impressive, showing orange citrus, white pepper, and a bit of pine. Best of all, I get very little sweet malt in the nose, which bodes well for how this beer will taste. On the palate, this is very tasty indeed. While the flavor profile replicates the nose, it's very much on the dry side, and yet is still very well balanced. The finish is long and dry, with lovely, perfumy, bitter hops. Mouthfeel is light and hop driven, and the beer finishes so cleanly with no alcohol noticeable. Drinkability is this beer's best feature by far. There is no way I'd guess this was a 10% DIPA. This is the sort beer that could lead to foolish behavior. Very impressive.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2010 20:24:31 | More by johnmichaelsen

glid02

Georgia

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

On-tap at Brick Store.

Pours a slightly hazy copper color with a half-finger slightly off-white head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving solid lacing.

Smells of pale malts with good amounts of buttery diacetyl. Also present are tropical fruit and earthy hop aromas. As the beer warms pine hops join in and the diacetyl influence increases.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Moderately dry pale malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by solid amounts of diacetyl. Midway through the sip citrus and pine hop flavors work their way into things but can't manage to overpower the buttery flavors. Equal amounts of pale malt, pine hop, and butter flavors carry through to a moderately bitter ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with solid carbonation.

Drinkability is not very good. I finished my glass however I'm not sure about another.

Overall I had to double-check with the bartender to make sure this was the correct beer but after going through the reviews it appears as though there's a good deal of variation in batches. This just wasn't a crisp beer however I hope it pops up in the future so I can give it another shot and hopefully find something similar to the rest of those who have reviewed this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2010 23:49:40 | More by glid02

blackie

Virginia

4.21/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a: amber in color with a decent head and light lacing

s: lots of pine resin and pure hop juice, the malt body provides a sugary back but not a whole lot more, candied pine sap, pretty much feel that this beer deserves an A- but wasn't sure where that should come from - gonna give it to the aroma as I feel it's the strongest aspect

m: carbonation moderate in level, body medium-full and a touch slick

t: sugary malt body completely obliterated by a monstrous pine-tea hop presence, pure hop juice, sweet citrus, tooth-scraping bitterness, this stuff would probably cure gingivitis - and that's cool, but it doesn't make for a balanced drink

d: easy enough, it's a strong one but the hop punishment is strangely appealing

plastic cup serving at the Galaxy Hut anniversary keg party deal

review 2nd time, up taste to 4.25:

a: unibroue tulip, medium golden amber in color, pours out with a nice, finger-width white head, good retention

s: gorgeous tropical and citrus hops on a sweet caramel and pale malt body smoothed over with notes of oaky vanilla, pineapple, sweet melon, passionfruit, tangerine, fruit punch really like the blend of fruits here, and the malt sweetness and oak compliment well

m: carbonation moderate-high, lively but smooth, body medium

t: sweet malt body with both pale and caramel malts, loads of tropical fruit hops combine for a fruit punch flavor - passionfruit, tangerine, mango, and some acidic grapefruit, nice oak influence in the form of sweet vanilla, balancing bitterness hits in the finish - not over or underdone, but just right, lingering grain flavor alongside

o: expected to see higher ratings ratings on this one, the hops are great and the oak really sets it off, the grains are clean and really allow the hops to push through

consumed streamside in Dolly Sods, Monongahela

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2010 03:04:48 | More by blackie

Thorpe429

Illinois

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

Pours an ever so slightly hazed bright yellow with a thin whisp of a white head. Sticky legs on its way down. Smell is a tad bit muted--especially compared to the taste. Initial impression is quite hoppy with some citrus rind. Not too much depth, but excellent bitterness level. Mouthfeel is fantastic...light, dry, well carbonated, and quite bitter. Superb drinkability. Glad this made its way out to DC.

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2010 20:09:54 | More by Thorpe429

ThreeWiseMen

California

4.25/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Sampled this on Friday night at the 21st Amendment Brewery. ABV was listed at 9.2%. Following review written based on notes.

Served in a 13oz. chalice.

Appearance: Arrived with a half inch of white froth on top, which slowly regressed to a sticky crown. This beer drug thick, lasting layers of web-like lace all the way down. Body was crystal clear and probably orange-amber in color - dim lighting made it tough to tell. No visible carbonation.

Smell: Rich, sweet hops (summit?) and alcohol were by far the most dominant aromas. Sweet bread and lemon zest were the only other flavors I could get. To this beer's credit, there were a lot of other aromas - from onion rings, burgers, and other pub fare - floating about, which made it difficult to pick out subtle hop notes. That said, I expected more pungency from this imperial IPA.

Taste: Big summit(-like) hops paraded across my palate from start to finish. Tangerine, cantaloupe, pine, and herbal hop resin were just a few of the flavors I noted. I also picked up some bubblegum in the finish, which fit in surprisingly well. Malt presence was apparent at the beginning of each sip - in the form of sweet bread - but played a very quiet role overall. The finish was very dry, but not as bitter as I expected; and the aftertaste was comprised mainly of fruity esters, bubblegum, and pine.

Mouthfeel: Active yet soft carbonation produced a pleasant rolling sensation across the palate. Medium-bodied with a very clean and dry finish. Wish this had been stickier and a little more viscous, but it worked well as it was. Drank kind of like a tripel.

Drinkability: Hop Crisis had a lot going on in the beginning, but it opened up even more with time; a very complex ale. I ordered two of 'em, and could've easily had a few more.

Serving type: on-tap

09-13-2010 04:41:53 | More by ThreeWiseMen

MasterSki

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This batch clocks in at 9.2%, 70 IBUs. On-tap at 21st Amendment. The board said this beer was formerly known as Double Trouble, which makes no sense as both seem to have coexisted over the past year and a half. Served in a cervoise.

A - Two fingers of foam that dissipates to a thick cap and leaves patchy lacework. Attractive golden body. Pretty good looking beer.

S - This is surprisingly malt-forward, but I know it was fresh as it was tapped the day I had it. There's still plenty of centennial hop - sugared citrus in the form of oranges and grapefruits, pine, a bit of pungent floral notes.

T - Taste is also malt-forward with a solid bread and caramel backbone with a pine, sugared citrus, and grass hop overlay. Surprisingly low bitterness.

M - Medium-low carbonation, medium body, smooth, low heat. Not as much resinous hop character as I expected from the name.

D - A nice East Coast DIPA. If this came from New England or the Southwest it'd be near the top of the class, but from a West Coast brewery I was expecting something different. It's probably straight 4.25s, so I've had to fudge things to get the required score.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2010 03:39:22 | More by MasterSki

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

4/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dusting off some notes from the 8th DIPA fest. It appears I loved this one.

Perfect scores in aroma and appearance, a deep orange craggy pour, massive aroma interplay of hops and to a lesser extent. Big time hop taste, citrus yes, but no alcohol, how did it hide that? Lighter malt bill, not balanced, in a good way. Very bitter, might not be the easiest to drink or obtain, but it definitely is somehting any hophead should search out.

EDIT: The batch with the cans is very good, but nowhere near as good as the first batch.

5/5/4.5/4.5/4 was the old score for the first batch

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2010 00:02:09 | More by Beerandraiderfan

mjl21

California

4.75/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the brewpub. Poured into a 2010 SF Strong Beer Month Belgian tulip glass. Comes in at 10.8% and 85 IBUs.

A-Pours a clear lighter amber color. It has a one finger off white head that dissolves to a decent sized ring. Does not leave a lot of lace.

S-It has a great hoppy nose. There is lots of dank on the surface and a large amount of citrus as well. There is some caramel malt which imparts a little sweetness, but in no way prevents the hops from dominating.

T-The taste mirrors the nose. Lots of dank and resiny pine flavor immediately coat the tongue. Orange citrus flavor is also upfront. It has a sweet malt backbone that briefly halts the bitterness of the hops. The pine and citrus flavors return at the end. The booze is very contained, especially compared to the 2009 version.

M-Thick, resiny, and sticky.

D-A great big IPA. It falls into the dangerously drinkable category.

I always enjoy this each February. This is by far the best batch that I have tried. Would love to see this return on a regular basis.

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2010 22:56:13 | More by mjl21

MisterClean

California

4.4/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at 21st.

A - Pours copper-gold, with 2 fingers of white head. Dissipates slow and leaves really nice lacing.

S - Caramel, citrus and pine. The hops are very resiny.

T - Honey, caramel, citrus, pine, and light bittering hops. Very well hop-rounded.

M - Full-bodied, hop dominated, and slightly dry.

D - Really good overall. A treat.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2010 05:19:26 | More by MisterClean

bret27

California

4.68/5  rDev +17%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

fresh on tap

A: Dark amber w/thick fluffy white head

S: Hops and more hops, (Multiple citrus fruits, piney) w/some bready malt thrown in

T: A hop bomb for sure. So much fruit at the beginning. Oranges, tangerines, followed by a malty punch, then a bitter finish. Not really boozy but you can feel that warmth.

M/D: Full mouth but not too full, just enough to handle all the citrusy bitter hop flavor. Insanely drinkable. Almost no noticeable etoh presence whatsoever. I'm baffled.

Overall: This is an amazing beer. I couldn't believe it. So well balanced and so freakin' big. The only crisis would be if 21st Amendment stopped making it because it's by far the best beer of theirs I've ever had. (only had a sample, not a full glass)

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2010 06:52:16 | More by bret27

somabeer

California

4.5/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured on tap at 21A as part of strong beer month

It was a transparent amber color, With a big off white head and some retention. The aroma was chocked full of big resiny, piny hops, with just a hint of honey from the malt. The first thing I taste is the hops, but what DIPA would it be if that were untrue? But here there is lots of hops in all there resiny goodness, there's just a hint of honey sweetness from the malt. It's the right balance complementing the hops and not struggling for control of the flavor. There is a great balance for such a strong hoppy monster. It's nicely carbonated and goes down my gullet smoothly. Considering ABV this beer is dangerously drinkable and a great DIPA

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2010 06:51:25 | More by somabeer

ironlung

California

4.5/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap @ Toronado SF 3/07/09. Reviewing on my Mac via their free wi-fi...

Looks an amber/burnt orange. Has a fine white head on it and smells like a hop-bomb of the highest order. Taste just knocks my socks off. It's like their double trouble on crack. Has that same awesome Hawaiian Punch after taste(as double trouble) just a lot more alcohol sting to it. Still though for being damn near 12% It hides it very well. I've herd some say this is a good stand-in for younger. I say the two beers are completely different. Younger is much more refined to the point you don't know you're drinking an 11%er. With Crisis you know exactly what your getting yourself into on the first sip!(trouble) Drinkability is whatever your willing to get yourself into. I'm only halfway down the 10oz pour and I can feel it. I'd better go next door and get myself a sausage so I can make it through the day!

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2009 19:53:22 | More by ironlung

Offa

California

4.28/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This is a tasty, fully-flavoured IPA with enough body and taste to handle the bitterness.

Dark gold, it has a lasting medium off-wite head.

The aroma is very hoppy, but with pine, citrus, malty bread and alcohol.

The taste is similar, hoppy but with an alcoholic and malt backing. It's juicy and citrusy pine, with pine, a warming, lightly spicy alchoholic quality, light caramel, and toast. Alcohol is noticeable, but the strength is well hidden and it's smooth.

Serving type: on-tap

06-27-2008 21:47:20 | More by Offa

sloejams

California

4.05/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Tasted during 21A's Stong Beer Month, on the chalkboard listed at their 500th Brew made on the premises.

It was served in a tulip glass with the finger head of well laced head. You could see there was a thickness in this ale, almost like looking at a scotch. I had just had a 12 course dinner down in Los Gatos, paired with wine. This would be our nightcap, a formidable one at that.

The aroma was hops and hops and hops. I could place my fingers on which - but there were several varietals and TONS of them. Citrus and floral hop greatness overwhelmed my senses. It was tasty - oh I love thee hops.

The one downside is that the high ABV really kicked my ass. I guess all of the wine in my belly and on my brain contributed. Sadly, I think this was my one chance to try it.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2008 18:17:11 | More by sloejams