What do you get when you combine Kuetil Jikrun of Nogne O brewery and Toshi Ishii of Yo-Ho brewery? A Dobbel IPA that kicks ass! I found this beauty amongst the aisles in the singles section of the liquor store and it is buying off big dividends. The back of the label says it is a limited edition so hopefully some of you can find it out there.

I was first attached to the beer because of the simple, yet modern labeling. I had seen these bottles before, but unfortunately looked them over. It is a brewery out of Norway that is making their mark on the craft brewing world. They strictly brew bottle conditioned ales and offer a great variety of styles. If you have not heard of this brewery I would highly encourage you to visit their website.

Despite this beer traveling such a long way this beer is fresh. From comments on Pliny the Elder, it was said that really hoppy beers are best when served/consumed fresh. Since Nogne-O bottle conditions they ales by adding some yeast and new wort to the beer it is able to ferment a second time in the bottle maintaining freshness. When I opened this brew I was met with the loudest “tisss” I’ve heard yet.

During the pour sweet hops aromas ascended into my nostrils. Granted this is not the boldest DIPA I’ve had in regards to aroma, but it holds its own. I’d liken it to a wet hopped beer. The varieties of hops used were Millenium, Centennial, Chinook, Amarillo, and Brewers Gold. I’d have to say that I experienced just about every hop quality possible. Piney, citrus, earthy, herbal, fruity, pungent, floral, grapefruit, pineapple, honey, and spicy were all present. It really took my taste buds for a ride.

Since it is unfiltered it does have a heavy mouthfeel and the high hopping adds an oily resinous character. It comes in at 100 IBUs and 8% ABV making rather potent. The malt does provide a sweeter side to aid in balance, but it is a hop centered beer. If you are a hop lover this is a great beer to sample. It has character and depth.

ABV: 8.0%

Grade: B+