While its name touts otherwise, Drake's Hopocalypse Ale is a lot fruitier 'n spicier than most hoppy bitter beers – and has a whopping 9.3% ABV to back it up.
The Washdown:
- creamy orange 50/50, spicy nutmeg, caramel malt, cloudy rusty color Drake's Hopocalypse (Drake's Brewing Company, San Leandro CA) 9.3% ABV
I liked Drake's Hopocalypse so much, I had to blog about it again (see review on The Golden State Cafe at YourNextBite.com), but this time in more detail.
This Seasonal Fall Ale has such a complex flavor profile, it should be celebrated year round. Described on the brewing company's website as an "orange monster," Hopocalypse is made from a wide variety of hops – equal parts American two row & English pale, 2 types Munich malt, Chinook, Cascade & Amarillo.
The nose is full of grapefruit and pine. But the tongue has something much sweeter, creamier and spicier going on – like an old-fashioned Orange 50/50 bar with chunks of sour grapefruit inside, then sprinkled with Nutmeg.
Each sip brings a new flavor to the table, making you wonder and question what else could be inside. "Is that apricot? Nah, I think it's more tropical like Pineapple. Wait a second, that is totally caramel!" And round and round you go.
Hopocalypse went smashingly well with my Burger, Curry Ketchup & Jalapeno Slaw at the Golden State Cafe. But I also recommend enjoying it with a nice bowl of Curry, Sweet Potato Fries, or perhaps in a Beer Float with Horchata (vanilla cinnamon sugar) ice cream.
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