Deschutes Brewing Hop Henge IPA

This is the second beer in Deschutes lineup called their "Bond St. Series" that I have reviewed. The first being their ode to fresh hops, Hop Trip. Let me start off by saying that I am a bit biased towards Deschutes, having grown up skiing at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Or. I have had many a Black Butte Porter from here and in fact that is my mom's favorite beer.

I shared this 22 with The Jew as she had brought us brisket over for dinner. No, I am not kidding, she is a vegan Jew who brought D and I brisket. Who am I to say no to brisket from a Jewish mother's kitchen? I have all kinds of Yiddish rolling around in my head right now. Anyway, being the hop head that she is she was stoked to have some of this.

Appearance:  Caramely, coppery with an off white head

Aroma: MMMmmmmm....It's an IPA so of course there is pine but it's not overpowering. There was a floral aspect to it and a little citrus. I knew right away that this beer was going to be balanced despite being 93 IBU's because I could smell the malt mixed in with the herbaceous hops. I was really stoked to dive into this one.

Taste: Can I say MMMmmmm again? Redundant, but MMMmmmmm...this is so well balanced! If you are a hop head it might not satisfy you but I was in heaven. Slightly creamy body, perfectly light carbonation. Caramel and a little sweetness on the front end and piney bitter on the back end. Looong finish. I did not want this 22 to end. I KNOW it was good because the Jew refilled her glass before I had finished mine. That. Good.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 I have to leave room for improvement.

Oh and the food at their brewpub is outstanding if you are ever out in Bend it is definitely worth a lunch time trip. The Black Butte Porter Mustard? I think I would drink it if I thought people wouldn't lock me up in a mental institution somewhere.