“Well, it pours with a TON of head.”

That’s the first thing that ran through my mind as it entered the glass. This could be good. I like a weisse with a lively mouthfeel. What’s remarkable is that I smell a lot of banana in the glass, versus the hop nose that hit me as I opened the bottle.

It has a nice cloudy appearance, and a fine golden-yellow color to it.

I have to admit that despite my excitement at trying this (something unusual hopped like an IPA? Sign me up! You may remember how I felt about Stone’s Vertical Epic ’08 – a Hopped Tripel), I made an unpleasant face at my first taste.

After it settled into my palate, it was better, but 8.2% might be a bit much for this beer. Obviously, if anything, its too boozy.

In the aftertaste I get some toastyness, but way too many of the subtleties get lost behind the alcohol for my liking.

I DO get some more of the hops when I burp, but it would be nice to get some of those up front too.

A little less alcohol, a little less aggressive bittering, and some more aromatic hops, and I would probably love this beer. Shame too, ’cause I was hoping that I would have an excellent pint bottle at $3.69.

3/10