What’s Epic up to these days?’ is something I’ve been wondering recently. While the fate of Epic post-liquidation and purchase by the Russell Group probably warrants deeper investigation, I can confirm that whatever else might be going on, they have re-brewed one of my favourite IPAs ever.

Right from the radiant copper pour, Lupulingus (9% ABV) makes it entirely clear that it’s a West Coast-style IPA — one that doesn’t get brewed that much anymore. And finding out it’s apparently made with 40% more hops than Hop Zombie, one can begin to understand why…

The pine, citrus and stone fruit aroma hits with an incredible immediacy, and clings to the olfactories long after nosing. The palate on the other hand, is a slow and meandering journey where the oozing malt richness is gradually overgrown by the creeping hop character, while the thunderous bitterness gathers inevitably overhead.

This is “Big IPA” at its most deliciously exposed. No gloves, no safety guards; just the edge…

Epic Lupulingus