Alvarado Street x Monkish: Skaze of Thunder 12th Anniversary
Double Dry-Hopped Hazy Double IPA | 8.2% ABV
When two titans of the West Coast hazy scene collaborate for a milestone like Alvarado Street’s 12th Anniversary, the expectations are sky-high. Skaze of Thunder does not just meet those expectations; it bottles the specific, tropical electricity both breweries are known for.
Appearance and Aroma
The pour is a quintessential “saturated” hazy, a dense, glowing apricot hue with a thick, meringue-like head that lingers. The aroma is aggressive and immediate. Before the glass even hits your nose, you are hit with a wave of overripe mango, dank pineapple, and bright lime zest. The “Double Dry-Hopped” treatment is evident here, offering a multi-layered bouquet that shifts between sweet tropical fruit and a resinous, herbal punch.
Flavor Profile
The palate follows the nose, adding surprising creamy complexity.
The Lead: Giant notes of passionfruit and white grape (likely a nod to heavy Nelson or Citra usage).
The Mid-Palate: A soft, pillowy mouthfeel that mimics a fruit smoothie, stripping away any harsh alcohol burn despite the 8.2% strength.
The Finish: A clean, citrus-pith bitterness that prevents the juice-forward profile from becoming cloying. There is a faint “green” hop snap at the end that reminds you of the sheer volume of cryo-hops and pellets used in the process.
Mouthfeel
This is where the Monkish influence shines. The body is velvety and substantial, coating the tongue without feeling heavy or “chewy.” The carbonation is fine and prickly, cutting through the hop oils just enough to keep the palate refreshed.
Skaze of Thunder is a celebratory beer in every sense. It captures the “Alvarado Street” DNA of bright, clean tropical notes and marries it to the “Monkish” mastery of texture and hop saturation. It is a masterclass in the Hazy DIPA style—bold, aromatic, and dangerously drinkable.