Dominion Brewing – Hop Lips IPA & Fordham Sunseeker – A First Sampling

From the first time I saw this beer (and label), I knew I had to try it…..it has a clever name, 6%-AbV, and of course it’s one of my favorite styles…..an IPA.  So naturally I was excited to see a package coming from Old Dominion Brewing and even more exciting when I saw what it was.

This is Hop Lips IPA from Old Dominion Brewing.  I brought you a peek back in March, and the press release from Old Dominion, but nothing beats getting an early sample.

Hop Lips IPA is a new year-round beer from Old Dominion that features Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops….and it features them prominently in the aroma.  This beer hits you up front with lemon and lime aromas as well as some floral notes and just a touch of biscuit.  The flavors follow up with lime, passion fruit and even a softer grape-like flavor I really liked.  Hop Lips leans into some nicely balanced malty flavors and it finishes clean and citrusy.  The beer hits 6%-AbV and 45 IBU and like me, you’ll be surprised that after 25 years of brewing, this is Old Dominion’s FIRST IPA.

Hop Lips will be packaged in 12oz bottles and available year round so be sure to try this one for yourself and let me know what you think. 

As a bonus, Fordham / Dominion also sent some fresh Sunseeker Wheat.  This beer is a recent addition to their year-round lineup and a perfect beer for summer.  Fordham Sunseeker is an unfiltered wheat beer with a wonderful clove and banana aroma and taste and a classic cloudy appearance.  I found this beer it be a great summer brew and I can’t wait to enjoy a few when the weather gets even warmer.  Sunseeker is available in 12oz bottles and on draft as we speak so when you’re out shopping for Hop Lips IPA, be sure to pick up some Sunseeker too.