This Double IPA was originally brewed State-ide by Block 15 Brewery in Corvallis, Oregon, using Clayton Hops fresh Riwaka hop oil as its secret ingredient. No secrets in this local re-brew — just a profundity of Chinook, Nelson Sauvin, Columbus, Nectaron and El Dorado to pack out its tall 8.6% ABV.
The immediate blast of hop resin is genuinely stunning in the way it almost sticks to the nose. Individual notes are difficult to pick out from such an explosive aroma, but classic grapefruit and pine are present, along with super ripe stone fruit and rich malt.
The palate is only slightly more reserved, with the resinous green flavours creeping slowly along the tongue as a deeply aromatic bitterness builds into the finish, leaving a distinctly oily sensation lingering in the mouth.
Tasting this brought back memories of discovering West Coast IPA for the first time, and that should be an indication of just how good it is. An absolute must for the true hopheads.