Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA: Bites like a Kicky Bluetail
Written: May 03 '01 (Updated Mar 27 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Strong citrus hop, refreshing and crisp
Cons: Not for those who don't like a bitter hop
The Bottom Line: A typical US IPA, very well made from a top class microbrewery. May be too hoppy and bitter for some, but still worth checking out.
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| andaryl's Full Review: Hop Ottin IPA |
Starting out in 1987, on the lower level of a brewpub, Anderson Valley’s brewing capacity was a mere 10 barrels. This brewery has recently been growing in stature and demand caused the construction of a new facility in 1996, which has also since been redeveloped. Anderson Valley beers are brewed with only pure ingredients, and have received many awards in the brewery’s short history.
The Idiot’s Guide to Boontling
A really unique aspect of the Anderson Valley area is the community’s “other language”, known as “Boontling”. Boontling was developed in the late 1800’s and still exists to a minor extent today. In honor of this language, the brewery names its brews in the tradition of its heritage. Hop Ottin translates as “hard working hops”, something, which is definitely a key statement in defining this beer. The statement on the back of the label further reinforces this: “Hop Ottin bites like a kicky bluetail” (rattlesnake looking for a fight).
The Beer
The pour is fairly lively, but nothing too eventful. The formed thin head of foam does seem a little light, and almost disappears pretty quickly. There is just about enough foam left to coat the glass. The body is somewhere between golden and amber, clear, and rather light.
As you may have guessed already, the aroma is dominated by citrus, a floral mix of lemon and grapefruit. Upon closer examination, and more so as the beer sits, there is a noticeable pleasing honey-malt, but you would be excused for missing it.
The palate is light-medium, with a good fizzy carbonation on the tongue. As with the aroma, the flavor is predominantly citric. There’s an initial light maltiness, while a grapefruit-like sourness rounds things off and quickly dominates spreading a bitterness around the palate. As the beer warms and goes flat, the malt does jump out a little more.
The Verdict
This is a typical USA, or I should limit that to West Coast from experience, IPA, with its crisp grapefruit like finish. This would not be a regular choice for me; I prefer something without so much bite, something a little sweeter. I probably enjoyed Sam Smith’s version more than most IPA fans. Michael Jackson makes a good point in saying that American IPA’s usually take a little getting used to for the British. I find it hard to comment, since I only discovered IPA’s in the States. Having drunk these two back to back the Sam Smith’s is stronger in malt, lighter in hop and certainly smoother.
For its crispness and refreshing qualities, Hop Ottin is certainly a well-made brew and worth a recommendation. Anderson Valley is a brewery, which is quickly grabbing my appreciation.
If you like this brew I found it very similar to Pikes IPA, an excellent brew from Seattle, which I took notes on some time ago but never reviewed. I’ll be sure to add that one some time.
As a footnote please read bruguru's review to find out why the bear on the label has antlers:
http://andaryl.epinions.com/fddk-review-56D-13215773-39EE5E6F-prod5
Recommended:
Yes
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andaryl
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Member: Andrew Smith
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