ho(C) 2017 popsonhops

Tasting: May 5, 2017
Style: Double IPA
Beer #: 1,057
ABV: 8.5%

Contractual Obligation Magnify Brewing

Purchasing hops as a start-up brewery is a tricky proposition. The explosion in craft breweries has led to short supplies and the pick of the crop is committed to breweries that are (you guessed it), contractually obligated for the purchase of hops. New breweries are somewhat at the mercy of what’s available and have to work with what they can acquire. Think of owning a new restaurant that can only buy only certain ingredients or certain grade meats. While demand remains high, even a hop contract doesn’t guarantee you what you want, but it’s the best you are going to get when demand outpaces supply.

I’ll note that both of these offerings were released previously. The first release of Contractual Obligation commemorated Magnify Brewing’s own hop contract more than a year ago. The brewery’s popularity seemed to skyrocket shortly thereafter and the lines have seemingly grown with each subsequent release.

Contractual Obligation Magnify Brewing pours an opaque orange color. Really looks like orange juice. I’ll mention that this beer has grapefruit and mango added. You can really pick up some fresh grapefruit flavor. Maybe a bit too much throat burn to make it a classic but still a really nice beer, 91 points.

Tasting: May 6, 2017
Style: Double IPA
Beer #: 1,058
ABV: 8.2%

Headaches Magnify Brewing

Not as turbid as Contractual Obligation Magnify. Starts off with some minor dank smokiness but has a predominant tangy grapefruit in the mid-palate. Some minor pineapple and mango. I think Contractual Obligation wins the day by default Magnify Brewing Headaches is a very respectable and likable beer, 88 points.