R & B Brewing – Hoppelganger IPA (NorthGeek Beer Review Series)
by Noah Bloom Posted in Beer, Canada, ReviewsWe drank Hoppelganger earlier this week, from the bottle, then got to enjoy a tour of the brewery as part of the Vancouver Craft Beer Week. And then, yes, we had more Hoppelganger.
Name: Hoppelganger IPA
Style: Northwest style India Pale Ale
Brewery: R & B Brewing Co
Brewery Location: Vancouver, BC
Color: Amber, slight red
Apparent Flavours (according to DW & NB): Slight hoppy, orange, floral, some bitterness (fits with the slight hoppy)
NB Summary: Formerly called Hop Goblin, the Hoppelganger is a very drinkable IPA. It’s a nice combination of five hop varieties and premium english malt. For someone new to bitter IPAs, this is a great start and easily likable, as it’s well balanced and not overly bitter or hoppy. The first impression is that it’s sweet and pleasantly malty and would easily accompany lots of meals. It’s not as distinct or strong willed as some other Northwest style IPAs, but I will definitely drink this one again, especially considering the brewery is just a hop from where I live (support local).
DW Summary: As a fan of true (American-style) IPAs, I was quite pleased with R&B’s Hoppelganger. It’s a really easy-drinking bitter beer – not overly bitter, and the hops are not overwhelming – just right, in my opinion. Very refreshing. After seeing the brewing process at the R&B brewery (great tour led by Rick – the “R” in R&B), my appreciation for this beer in particular is stronger than ever. Looking forward to opening up another jumbo bottle soon.
~~
NB’s NorthGeek Beer Taster Ratings:
This beer is a: Casual drinking beer / Meal companion beer / Dessert beer
Taste 15/20
Smell 9/10
Goes down easy 8/10
Head consistency 8/10
Aftertaste 11/15
Bottle/Packaging 4/5
I would recommend this beer 9/10
TOTAL: 64/80
DW’s NorthGeek Beer Taster Ratings:
This beer is a: Casual drinking beer / Meal companion beer / Dessert beer
Taste 18/20
Smell 8/10
Goes down easy 8/10
Head consistency 6/10
Aftertaste 13/15
Bottle/Packaging 3/5
I would recommend this beer 10/10
TOTAL: 66/80
NORTHGEEK TOTAL: 65/80
What are your thoughts on this beer?
One Response to “R & B Brewing – Hoppelganger IPA (NorthGeek Beer Review Series)”
By BeerGuy on Jun 23, 2011
This is not a bad beer. I am actually drinking it as a type this. It is not as hoppy, and not as bitter as I would like for an IPA. I will not buy it again, but it is decent. I give it a 3 out of 5.