Breakfast Beer Tasting: Port Brewing Hop-15

When you suspect it’s going to be one of THOSE days, you need to start the day off right. Liquid fortification and sustenance is called for. An Imperial IPA in a big bottle? Hell, yes. 330ml might be trendy but we all know that it’s for wimps.

So, Hop-15. The name says it all really. It’s brewed with 15 (doh!) different hops which are added every 15 minutes. It’s 22oz and weighs in at a not inconsiderable 10%. It ticks all the theoretical boxes but how does it perform in the only test that matters: the Tyson taste test?

It poured a hazy, bordering on the murky, amber. Possibly slighter darker than others of this ilk that I have imbibed. Carbonation was a bit weak and the one finger off-white head soon dissolved. The aroma was very promising: lots of pineapple, sweet orange, pine and a little earthiness.

That hint of citrus sweetness soon materialised in the first gulp but the second wave brought more solid flavours. There’s a lot going on here: Mango, mandarin, pineapple, yes but matched by a firm malt backbone that perfectly underpins the whole thing. You’re aware of the strength but it never gets in the way. The whole thing zips along the tongue and down the throat leaving to a satisfying dry, fruity, finish.

Tyson says: A great beer. Richly flavoured without being full on. This is a class act.

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