Usually I go for the minimalist can designs, but these beers from Against the Grain Brewery definitely stand out on the shelf. And a double IPA featuring my favorite hop (Citra), with a smart-ass name? I’m sold.

Citra hops are a relatively new introduction to the world of beers. Introduced in 2008, it was created as a hybrid of multiple hops. The final product has a distinct citrus and tropical fruit flavor and aroma.

“In Citra Ass Down we used American Columbus hops for bittering and 11 pounds of Citra hops at the end of the boil for late kettle addition flavor and aroma. Then we added 6 more pounds of Citra and 5 pounds of Centennial hops post fermention for aroma. Rebrewed for your tasting pleasure!” –Against the Grain Brewery

Citra Ass Down pours a clear, hazy amber with a moderate amount of quickly-dissipating head. The smell consists of a lot of honey malt sweetness and citrusy hops, leaning a bit heavy on the malt.

The nose was not far from the taste, with the sweet honey malt and zesty citrus, alongside a mix of tropical and stone fruits.

Light-bodied, chewy and smooth with light but still moderate carbonation. It has a moderate finishing bitterness, the hop oils lingering after you finish, carrying the malt sweetness along with it.

Typically, a Double IPA shouldn’t be so malt-heavy, but I could still see myself drinking this in the future, so clearly they have done something right. The beer is incredibly drinkable, even at 8% ABV.

 

  • Style: Double India Pale Ale
  • ABV: 8.0%
  • IBU: 68
  • Rating: 4/5
  • Untappd Reviews

 

Andrij Harasewych
Editor at The Craft Beer Diaries. Devoted husband and father. Excessively geeky. Comic books, video games, and craft beer are my vices. Favorite beer style easily the IPA. Growing love for the DIPA, specifically.
Andrij Harasewych

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