The long wait is over - Flying Monkeys' Super Collider Double IPA is out in limited quantities retailing for $8.95 per bottle. The scars are clearly visible on the label. The original goal of 12.4% ABV was not reached and a small 10.5% ABV label has been glued over. Unfortunately, the back of the label still shows 12.4% ABV...the IBUs are high though.
The beer has a deep amber/mahogany color and pours with a short off-white head which recedes to a thin layer. The generous amount of hops used to make this brew can be smelled from far away. Just pouring the beer fills the air with the wonderful aroma of cascade/citra hops.
Up close, the hops are even stronger, but a very subtle boozy note becomes noticeable. Some raisin, citrus and tropical notes also emerge, but are quickly overpowered by the hops.
The taste is an odd thing. The hoppy bitterness hits your tongue before anything else and takes control of your taste buds. On the rare occasion the hops lose the taste bud battle, strong alcoholic notes emerge and take down the overall enjoyment a notch. Some pine/raisin flavors could be noticed here and there, but overall the cascade/citra character dominates.
The finish is when the bitterness and booziness settles a bit and some of the other flavors get their spotlight. Papaya, pine and citrus appear and compliment the hops nicely...for about a few seconds before the bitterness strikes again accompanies by some caramely sweetness.
Overall this is a very interesting beer to try, however, I prefer to stick to my favorite Smashbomb IPA, which I know is not a double IPA, but is very similar and offers a much better balance between the flavors.
Scores:
Cost - $8.95 for a 650 mL bottle
Taste - 6.9/10
ABV - 10.5%
Overall - 6.9/10...interesting, but there are better double IPAs and better Flying Monkeys beers
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