This Evening’s Brew was The Hop Devil IPA from Victory Brewing Company out of Downington, PA. I must admit, had not had any of Victory’s brews, but I had heard great things and was very excited to crack open one of their beers. I was in for a treat with the “menacingly delicious” Hop Devil.
The beer poured a beautiful pale amber color with an off white head. And when I say beautiful, I mean literally beautiful. I couldn’t help but hold the glass up to the light and move it about, just to note shades of color in this brew. It was completely transparent—which isn’t usually the case for IPAs. Most usually have some type of haze. This one was haze free and perfectly complemented its pale amber color.
On the nose, I detected notes of malty sweetness as well as herbal hops and spice.
As I took my first sip, I couldn’t help but notice a prominent malty sweetness. Although there was some biscuity and toasty flavors, what stood out most to me was the caramel notes. The malty sweetness really came forward with that caramel flavor. As soon as that was detected; however, the Devil really showed up. A violent and hoppy kick quickly surfaced, pushing away the sweetness which was first detected. This hoppy goodness was piney, herbal and spicy—very strong, very prominent, but very welcome and a great compliment to the caramel-like sweetness detected at the beginning of the taste.
The beer finished off with a dryness and bitterness that beckoned you take a sip or two more. Again, I was first met with those sweet notes, caramel in prominence with vague hints at dark fruit such as fig or raisin, followed closely by that strong devil of a hoppy kick.
I really loved everything about this beer—from the bottle to the beautiful color of the of the beer, to the aromas and flavors. It was everything you could want in a tasty beer. I’m glad I stumbled upon the Hop Devil as my first beer from Victory. I will definitely be reaching for more of their brews. Cheers! #BeerReview #IPA
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