Beer Review: Great Notion Brewing – Serpent of the Stars Hazy IPA
Great Notion Brewing has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of the Hazy IPA style, and Serpent of the Stars is a compelling entry that balances their penchant for bold, expressive flavor profiles with a refined, pillowy mouthfeel. This beer captures the brewery’s signature approach to the style, blending high-end hop saturation with a texture that is both soft and substantial.
The Craftsmanship
Serpent of the Stars is brewed with a heavy focus on the interplay between hop selection and malt structure. Great Notion utilizes a generous grain bill of oats and wheat, which serves as the canvas for the hop additions. By carefully timing the dry-hopping process, the brewers successfully extract the vibrant, volatile oils required to produce the beer’s intense tropical aromatics without introducing harsh vegetal notes. The result is a beer that feels technically precise yet artistically adventurous.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: A captivating mix of tropical fruit and subtle resin. Expect prominent notes of crushed pineapple and candied mango, expertly anchored by a background of damp, earthy pine that adds depth.
- Flavor Profile: The palate is defined by a burst of bright, juicy citrus. Flavors of grapefruit and tangerine lead the charge, followed closely by a nuanced stone fruit mid-palate of nectarine and peach. A faint, clean bitterness surfaces on the back end, effectively balancing the fruit-forward sweetness.
- Mouthfeel: This is where the beer truly shines. The texture is silky and luxurious, coating the palate with a pillowy softness that is characteristic of top-tier Hazy IPAs. Despite its creamy weight, it finishes remarkably clean, inviting consistent consumption.
Verdict
Serpent of the Stars is an outstanding example of a modern, well-crafted Hazy IPA. It succeeds by avoiding the common pitfalls of the style, namely, becoming overly sweet or cloying, by maintaining a sophisticated balance of fruitiness and earthy bitterness. For enthusiasts of the style who appreciate a beer that offers both immediate gratification through its aromatic intensity and lasting interest through its structural complexity, this is a must-try. It is a bold, polished, and thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Great Notion catalog.
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
Exploring the dynamic craft beer scene of San Francisco, one pint at a time. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, we’re dedicated to uncovering the best local brews. We believe in the power of community and the unique stories behind every bottle. Our mission is to share our passion for craft beer with the Bay Area and beyond.