Style: Triple India Pale AleBrewer: Knee Deep Brewing Company, Lincoln, CA
ABV: 10.1%
This being billed as a “triple” IPA, I was prepared for an all-out hop assault, which I got. However, what surprised me was the drinkability for such a big beer.
And make no mistake, this is a big, big beer. The name “Simtra” comes from combining the names of the two hops used to make this beer — Simcoe and Citra. It pours a deep golden, almost orange. Hop aromas dominate, almost exploding from the glass. The hop bombardment continues on the palate. IBUs (International Bitterness Units) are in the 130-range, and it shows. Nearly pure liquid hops.
But there’s structure here. A nice bit of pepper on the back end provides some footing, and keeps it from being a bitter, puckering, one-dimensional nightmare. Although the alcohol makes its presence felt, it isn’t overwhelming.
This is a nice, nice Triple IPA. It’s well-balanced, and as drinkable as a beer this massive can get. Well done!