Archive for the 'Breckenridge' category
Breckenridge 471 Small Batch Double Hopped IPA
Jon’s Original Review:
“Well, much like the beer, the name is certainly a mouthful. I picked this brew up in Northern Kentucky, whilst on my last visit. This is my first experience with a Breckenridge beer, and I must say with this entry they live up to the lofty challenges of their Colorado counterparts.
The beer pours a beautiful copper color with a glorious, full head. You can really smell the hops as you take in the aroma – there are several variations in the Small Batch 471 and you can tell that the beer pops a whallop. There certainly is a caramel flavor to the beer, but there is also a hoppy, overriding taste as well. It gives a great flavor while not being too bitter overall. The alcohol content is 9.2 abv, but you really can’t tell a heavy alcohol presence. It really is quite subtle for a double (or imperial) IPA. For being such a heavy beer, this is certainly very drinkable.
Apparently the brewers at Breckenridge decide to brew special beers occasionally and this is one of those. I would welcome the opportunity to shake the hand of the gentleman who came up with this fine craft. It combines a great deal of hoppy flavor with a subtleness that is unique to double IPA’s. I typically like very hoppy beers, but this one, while not as strong as some, definitely delivers on pure taste and enjoyment alone. I would certainly recommend this to anyone.”
Matt’s new review:
“Alright neighbors, it’s been a while since I’ve written a review and I apologize for my absence. I’ve been trying to catch up and review brews Ben has already commented on and while I know know that’s not an excuse it’s the truth. So now for your reading pleasure I bring to you my take on Breckenridge’s 471 IIPA. Given my vast experience with, and love for Imperial IPA’s this beer has a lot to live up to. It should also be noted that I will be drinking and reviewing this beer along side the Green Flash Double IPA and my impressions of that beer can been read as a comment to Ben’s initial review.
It pours a hazy golden/copperesque yellow hue with a frothy, enticing head. The aroma is mildly hoppy but not exceptionally overpowering. There is a subtle sweetness attached to the smell which crosses over into the taste. If I’m not mistaken, I am picking up a hint of apple in the aroma. As with most IPAs it can be defined by its floral characteristics. It has a crisp but smooth mouthfeel and a mild hop-burn aftertaste. It isn’t as bitter and “big” as some IIPAs that I have had and for all intents and purposes that isn’t a bad thing. It coats the mouth with a malty flavor and allows the hops to take center stage. The bitterness clings to the tongue for a few seconds before it evaporates with the rest of the taste. I think this is well-balanced brew and one that I highly recommend. It doesn’t have the overall bite of say a Dogfish Head or Stone brew but I still find it to be “big” and yet very drinkable. After all of the IPAs and IIPAs I’ve had I can say with utmost confidence that this is a good hoppy beer.”
