Weyerbacher Double Simcoe: It's in the hops

May 13, 11:34 AMSuburban Philadelphia Craft Beer ExaminerMichael Hoster

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Suburban Philadelphia Craft Beer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

It is no secret…I am a conspicuous fan of imperial IPAs. During the last five years, I have had the pleasure to sample many of the world’s top-rated stylistic representations, including Russian River Pliny the Elder, Three Floyds Dreadnaught, Bell’s Hop Slam and Stone Ruination. But to this day, one rather unique, locally produced imperial IPA consistently dazzles my taste buds––Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA.

So, what makes Double Simcoe so unique and amazing? You need not look any further than its name. This double IPA is one of the few regularly produced, big-batch craft beers brewed exclusively with simcoe hops.

Simcoe was first cultivated in the Pacific Northwest nearly a decade ago. It demonstrates a fairly high alpha acid content (12% to 14%) and may be used for either bittering or aromatic enhancement. Simcoe yields a very distinct flavor profile––juicy citrus, fresh pine and peppery wood.

Several beer writers and self-proclaimed connoisseurs have likened simcoe hops to another popular West Coast variety, cascade. But, from my experience in homebrewing, simcoe is more akin to chinook than cascade. Both simcoe and chinook hops demonstrate crisp pine and spicy earthen flavors. Additionally, they are of comparable alpha acid content and can be used for either bittering or aroma (albeit, chinook is almost always used for bittering by commercial craft breweries). Finally, when homebrewing, both simcoe and chinook should be boiled in the wort for at least 60 to 90 minutes to release their full flavor profiles.

Now, back to the review. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe pours a medium ruddy-amber color, which appears noticeably darker than many imperial IPAs. Its thin, white head atomizes within 30 seconds. The aroma is purely sublime––pronounced hints of citrusy grapefruit and subtle notes of fresh, Christmas tree-like pine. It is the kind of beer that makes your mouth water. The first sip demonstrates a bitter, yet smooth bouquet of citrusy flavors. Double Simcoe’s 9% ABV nearly goes undetected, wholly indicative of the beer’s supreme balance. The finish is slightly bitter, with a fresh coat of mild spice.

Without a doubt, this beer is amazing. The only significant drawback: its somewhat commanding price tag. A case of Weyerbacher Double Simcoe 12-ounce bottles generally runs around $65 dollars in Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Nonetheless, if you can scrounge together a few extra dollars, Double Simcoe is well worth the price.

For additional information on simcoe hops, take a look at Joe Sixpack’s 2006 article.

And, for more information on Weyerbacher Double Simcoe and other Weyerbacher products, go to: www.weyerbacher.com.