After highly enjoying their Amber Glass offering late last year, I felt Hopshire were really starting to next-level and hit their stride. Upon arrival, this through was immediately confirmed. Their Beehive Honey Blonde Ale (initially reviewed at the Hopshire opening) has matured to a smooth, deliciously rich beer without the initial mineral aspects that were notable the first time around. Granted, Hopshire rotates through what local honey they use, but this latest batch is noteworthy regardless. On the note of the benefits of local-sourced ingredients, it turns out, the secret to Amber Glass incredible flavor, was the fresh hops that arrived the day they were brewing.
In addition to great beer, we were graced with good news as well. Hopshire will be bottling in 2014 and a portion of their just-released St. Bernard is heading to Port barrels for at least six (6) months. I'm hotly anticipating that release for the second half of the year. But, enough chatter, let's dig in.
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'Round Yon Virgil (Holiday Ale) | ABV: 6.2% | IBUs: 25 | Rating: 8.5/10
The nose is full of all-spice and clove - full holiday aromas are abound in this dark, reddish-brown ale. Prickly carbonation coupled by smooth flavors of clove, mild ginger, and a sweet brown sugar finish. Well-balanced, especially for a holiday ale. Sweet, with a pleasantly dry finish.
St. Bernard's (Belgian Dubbel) | ABV: 8.2% | IBUs: 30 | Rating: 9.2/10
This Belgian-style is transparent caramel with a fading ivory head to the eyes and sweet and malty to the nose with a stong hop-citrus presence. Bursting flavors of tangerine follow with a hint of grape and a wonderfully dry finish. Soft carbonation balances the brew perfectly.
I have to say, this one is incredibly juicy, far more than expected. Further in there's even a touch of earthy complexity in the background. A wonderful beer. Check it out where you can.
Hop Onyx (Cascadian Ale) | ABV: 8.0% | IBUs: 20 | Rating: 9.0/10
This is some deep madness right here. The head is a dark khaki atop an almost opaque brown beauty of a beer. The nose is mild and a little unassuming, fairly transparent with some faint hop notes. The taste counters, yielding bold, dark, and bitter flavors of mild espresso and big citrus. If a beer can be bright and dark at the same time, this is it. A hint of molasses sneaks in further through and there's a nice mouthcoat that builds on the sides of the tongue.
The interplay between the slight grapefruit/citrus tartness and roasted coffee notes is quite interesting and enjoyable; I'm not sure I've ever had something quite like it, especially one where it worked well. A solid Cascadian Ale. I used to be hot on Black IPAs and the like, but in recent times they've failed to keep my interest. Hello renewed interest.
Abbey Normal (Abbey Ale) | ABV: 8.0% | IBUs: 20 | Rating: 9.5/10
A thick, creamy head adorns this dark, deep amber-red surprise beer. The nose is full of inviting yeast aromas with a touch of dark fruit. Down the hatch, it's incredible. For a beer to stand out this far after seven tastings preceding it is an impressive feat in itself, but it doesn't stop there.
This Abbey is expertly brewed with peppercorn, anise, and orange peel. If Randy hadn't repeatedly stated that no fruit was used in the brew process, I would have figured they'd forgotten to put it on the label. Silky, rich flavors of plums, raisin, fig, candied syrup, and caramel burst across the palate in a sticky, sweet (but not too sweet) jubilation of brewing dedication.
Highly recommended and I will be picking up a bottle immediately upon it's release.
