Review: Alaskan Hop Turn IPA
Alaskan’s latest IPA in a seemingly endless procession of IPAs is Hop Turn (cute skiing-inspired name there), which is designed to be a “German-style IPA” — a style of beer that doesn’t readily exist.
It’s made with Pilsner, Vienna, and Munich malts, Magnum and Sterling hops, and is dry-hopped with Sterling — “radical” choices, none of which you’ll find in the typical IPA. It’s a funny mix of styles, starting with an undercurrent of sweetness that flows through the entire experience, backed up by a slug of earthy hops. It isn’t particularly piney, but the forest floor and mushroom notes are surprisingly natural companions with the malt.
All told it’s surprisingly enjoyable, but best (like any German beer) when consumed very cold. As it warms up, the body becomes a bit mushy and muddy.
7.5% abv.
A- / $10 per six-pack / alaskanbeer.com