Beer Review: Wondrous DDH Made Eyes West Coast IPA
Visuals: Pours a strikingly clear, effervescent golden hue, almost like pure liquid sunshine. A robust, fluffy white head forms initially and slowly recedes, leaving intricate lacing that clings to the glass, a testament to its quality. It truly catches your eye.
Aroma: From the moment you crack the can, your senses are instantly captivated. The “Double Dry Hopped” promise is immediately delivered with an explosion of classic West Coast aromatics—dominant notes of bright pine resin, zesty grapefruit peel, and juicy tangerine are immediately apparent. There’s a subtle, underlying layer of floral sweetness, perhaps with a hint of ripe passionfruit, adding wonderful complexity without veering into hazy territory. It’s wonderfully pungent and unmistakably IPA.
Flavor: The first sip is a revelation – clean, crisp, and bursting with hop character. The flavor perfectly mirrors the aroma, leading with a bold, refreshing hit of citrus zest and a pleasant, firm piney bitterness that coats the palate in the best way. This isn’t a harsh bitterness; rather, it’s integrated and perfectly balanced by a lean, bready malt backbone that stays largely in the background, allowing the hops to shine truly. Juicy notes of ruby red grapefruit and a touch of lemon pith emerge mid-palate, leading to a remarkably dry, snappy finish. It’s wonderfully drinkable for its ABV.
Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied, with a lively, effervescent carbonation that tingles on the tongue and enhances the refreshing quality. It’s incredibly clean and dry, which is exactly what you want from a well-executed West Coast IPA. There’s no residual sweetness or cloying stickiness; instead, there’s a beautifully crisp finish that begs for another sip.
“Wondrous DDH Made Eyes” lives up to its name – it’s a truly wondrous example of a modern West Coast IPA, executed with precision and flair. It’s a love letter to the style, showcasing assertive hop bitterness and intense aroma/flavor while maintaining exceptional drinkability and clarity. This beer is a must-try for any fan of the style and a fantastic reminder of why West Coast IPAs remain so captivating. It certainly made my eyes light up!
Recommended for: Lovers of classic, hop-forward, clear IPAs; those who appreciate a firm bitterness and vibrant citrus/pine notes; anyone looking for a refreshing and immensely flavorful beer.