I was quite excited when I got BrewDog beer in recently. I've become a big fan of their show, and I had to try out their products. I was able to get in Punk IPA and Hardcore IPA, and I'm not an IPA drinker. At all. Fortunately, I recently finally gave in and had a Houblon Chouffe on tap. That double IPA/Belgian tripel hybrid was absolutely delicious. So when I saw the labeling and packaging on the Hardcore IPA and I was drawn to it. I figured, why not?

I'm a big fan of beers from Scotland and anything out of the ordinary that just screams, "Look at me!" BrewDog meets both of those requirements. Whether it's just having a definite punk styling on their label or a 55-56% ABV quadruple IPA served in a bottle stuffed into a preserved squirrel wearing a tuxedo, a top hat and a monocle... Well, you get the picture. Hardcore is only a 9.2% ABV which is just fine for me, and you know instantly that it is nothing like American IPAs. It was delicious, and here's why:

Appearance

This brew pours a dark, reddish-orange with a half-inch thick head on top. I'm using the first glass within reach, which happens to be a typical pint glass.

Smell

Distinctly citrus aroma to it, particularly grapefruit. This is the first IPA I've smelled without getting any guava. That's a definite heads-up to me.

Taste

Initial bitter hop hits your palate, then changes into a rich, sourdough-like taste. If you hold it you get a slight hint of butter, and then a very mild finish consisting of toffee.

I read reviews on this beer and many compare it to a Scotch ale. I would agree, except for the citrus up front. Expect this to be halfway between the deliciously sweet Orkney Skullsplitter and the punch-to-the-gut that is Founder's Dirty Bastard. Some also say a hoppy red ale, but I think that's mostly due to the color. Regardless, it is a fantastic drink and not a stereotypical IPA. Definitely for one interested in trying IPAs but turned away by the thought of drinking a 100+ IBUs beer--the label says 150, but it doesn't taste like that at all. I might be a convert.

James Day, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits beer consultant - North Port

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