Summit Brewing – Unchained Series # 18 – Hop Silo DIPA – A First Sampling

I’m a huge fan of IPA’s, so when you put a Double IPA in a 16oz can, you’re speaking my language….so it was a wonderful surprise to get an opportunity to taste an early sample of the new Summit Brewing Unchained Series release No 18…..Hop Silo Double IPA.

This beer starts out with a bronze color and aroma that will get your attention.  Hop Silo has a nose loaded with citrus and a really resinous and dank aroma, thanks in part to the Zeus hops extract they used early in the brew.  To say this beer is aromatic is a huge understatement.  After the Zeus hops, Eric Harper follows up with Lemondrop and Azacca hops late in the boil.  If that’s not enough fun, this brew is dry hopped with a double-dose of T45 Cascade, Azacca and Lemondrop in a record setting fermenter-quantity for any Summit brew….so yes this beer is loaded.

I’ll bet by now you’re asking how does it taste?  Hop Silo DIPA hits 101 IBU and every one of them is on your palate.  The beer starts dry and bitter, with lots of lemon, citrus and pineapple.  It’s sticky, resinous and oily but it has a really drinkable and clean finish.  At 8.3% ABV this one cans sneak up on you, especially in a 16oz can, but along the way, it’s really a pleasant and sneaky 8.3% ABV.  I’d challenge anyone to identify this as a Double IPA after just a few sips, but you’ll soon see that it really IS 8.3% ABV.

Hop Silo is coming March 1st so be sure to try this beer for yourself.  I’m really impressed with Summit Brewing Unchained Series # 18…Hop Silo DIPA.  This is Summit’s first 16oz can, and I can’ think of a better beer to put into it.  Let me know what you think.