© 2014 popsonhops

Tasting: September 8, 2014
Style: Imperial IPA
Beer #: 602

Seeing Double is another bonus beer that came in a trade that centered around my acquisition of four cans of NoDa’s Hop, Drop and Roll. Admittedly, the label indicates a bottled date of about 8 weeks ago and as with most hop-centric beers, age changes flavor. However, old beer on shelves is a common reality and I remind everyone to check the label for packaging dates or enjoy by dates. As I’ve done with every other beer I’ve entered, I have to call it as I experience it.

Vitals check in at 9.5% alcohol by volume and a reported IBU of 126 (very bitter). Seeing Double is rich and chewy right out of the gate. A bit of resiny sweetness up front followed by some bright citrus and grapefruit bitterness. As I poured my way through this bomber, it opens up and the sweetness retreats as does the citrus. The primary bitterness my tastebuds zero in on are more of a peppery bitterness. I’m not sure about the 126 IBU. Despite the age on this bottle – I enjoyed Seeing Double and would peg it at 87 points. If I happen to acquire a fresher bottle, I will circle back.