Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Knowledge (8.5%, 98 IBU) is the latest addition to our year-round can lineup and is the hoppy result of our ongoing Experimental Double IPA series. An Imperial India Pale Ale, Knowledge is piney, resiny and dank, offering notes of pithy grapefruit and ripe pineapple.

Malts: 2-row, wheat

Hops: Chinook, Columbus, Centennial, Simcoe

Knowledge is an Imperial India Pale Ale. What are the origins of that style?

As the American thirst for hops grew, American brewers kept pushing the limits of the IPA style to include more hops, as well as more alcohol.

Knowledge is the result of a lot of experimentation. Can you talk about that process?

We have an Experimental Double IPA series that allows us to use different combinations of hops, and there are several in this series that we have really enjoyed. Both DIPAs #4 and #8 were precursors to Knowledge.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Light in color, dry, lots of aromatics and as easy to drink as a Double IPA could be!

What gets you excited about Knowledge?

This beer was heavily influenced by several West Coast style Double IPAs, especially ones made in Central California and San Diego.

Appearance: Yellow, somewhat hazy with a moderate white head. Medium carbonation.

Aroma: High hop aroma with a lot of resin upfront, that falls away to red grapefruit, orange, and “dank” aromas.

Taste: High bitterness that isn’t too coarse, high hop flavor with a lot of sticky pine and resin. Medium high notes of ruby red grapefruit, tangerine, and a light herbal note. Low malt flavor, dry finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium light body, low astringency, low alcohol warmth, medium carbonation.

Overall: An “old school” Double IPA that showcases some hops common to our favorite Double IPAs. Very drinkable, (if not “sessionable”) dry and aromatic.

What foods would pair well with Knowledge?

Mu Shu Pork or fried chicken.

Ideal glassware for Knowledge?

Spiegelau IPA glass: http://www.spiegelau.com/craft-beer-glasses/craft-beer-glasses/ipa/