This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to take a visit to 5 Seasons Brewery, just north of Atlanta GA in Sandy Springs, GA. I had done some preliminary research on this brewery due to the fact that my lovely girlfriend was moving just down the road from it...how fortuitous. We wasted no time in giving the brewery a try, and it was well worth it.
Though the brewery itself is new, the owners and staff are well-versed in brewing. Kevin McNerney (founder of Sweetwater Brewing Co) started this brewery just 2 years ago, and it offers a wide variety of delicious exotic and organic food (i had the Antelope burger), that compliment a wide range of beers. The staff was also exceptional, and even gave Josie and I a private tour of their fermentation chambers!! You can read more about the brewery here.
Now let's get to the beers...
HOPGASM- 8.0%abv
I can never pass up going for an IPA first, and with a name like "Hopgasm", I had to see what this beer could do.
Appearance: The first noticeable characteristic of the beer was a darker, amber color...not what you get from a typical IPA which can be a bit lighter in color. The color indicated the potential for a strong, full bodied beer. There was a generous 1" thick head on the beer which showed excellent signs of lacing around the perimeter of the glass.
Aroma: A sweet hop smell, with more of a biscuity aroma that indicated a strong malt characteristic. Subtle citrus smell of Amarillo & Simcoe hops.
Taste: Solid malt, strong hop, well balanced. A warming sensation on the palette that gives way to a nice smooth hop finish. Excellent aftertaste and very well balanced.
Mouthfeel: Full bodied, heavier on the palette than a typical IPA. Not a light IPA. Good carbonation suggests around 2.5 volumes of CO2 for this style of beer.
OVERALL:
Rating: 92/100 B+
This beer was a very well crafted balance of strong malt and hop finish. Easily drinkable for an IPA of such full body. Will definitely have again on a return trip to the brewery!!
Above photo: LEFT: Hopgasm IPA; RIGHT: Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale
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