Melvin Brewing Experimental J-Hole Red IPA

Beer Name: Experimental J-Hole Red IPA
Brewery: Melvin Brewing (Jackson Hole, WY; Alpine, WY) in collaboration with Rhinegeist Brewery (Cincinnati, OH)
ABV: 7.5%
How sold: 12 oz cans; on draft
Where bought: Belmont Station (Portland, OR)
Price: $3.75 for 0.25L pour

Date Canned: December 21, 2017
Date Purchased: January 13, 2018
Date Drank: January 13, 2018
When brewed? Limited-time beer.
IBUs: 62 (approximate)

Food Pairings: Rhineheist suggests Lamb Shepherd's Pie or Chicken Tikka Masala.

What's on the Can: "The brewmance began with a mutual respect for the lupulin arts, refined in Melvin's brew temple high in the Tetons of Jackson Hole, WY. Reunited at sea level, we form like Voltron to bring you this Red IPA. An avalanche of hops swarms the palate with malts soft as powder balancing our this spectacular, oracular brew."

What's on Rhiengeist's Website: "A very complex Red IPA that is atypical from the standpoint that there is no cloying caramel flavors to get in the way of the hops. The El Dorado hops play first chair here with candied cherry notes; the Simcoe hops add bass notes of resin, pine and blood orange; and the Centennial hops tie everything together with medium notes of citrus." Read more here!

Where distributed: As of January 2018, Melvin Brewing beers can be found in six states (CO, ID, OR, VT, WA, and WY) and British Columbia. They also might be found in California and Massachusetts. Experimental J-Hole should also be found in Ohio at Rhinegeist. Check to see whether Melvin Brewing is in your area!

REVIEW:

Appearance (5%): Poured amber/brown with reddish tint into a tulip glass. Very frothy off-white head. Good lacing. 4.5/5

Smell (25%): Tropical pineapple with complementing malt backbone and caramel notes. 4.5/5

Taste (40%): Follows the nose. Aftertaste produces berry and orange/tangerine citrus experience. Malt remains well controlled throughout. Lovely flavor from start to finish. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel (10%): Medium-bodied, good carbonation. Slightly sticky on the tongue. 4.5/5

Overall (20%): An outstanding Red IPA. Another kickass beer from Melvin Brewing, this time collaborating with an Ohio brewery. Rhinegeist apparently also sells this beer in their own cans. Enjoy this while you can find it! 4.5/5

Final Weighted Rating: 4.5/5