Weyerbacher Hops Infusion is kind of disappointing

August 31, 3:13 PMSuburban Philadelphia Craft Beer ExaminerMichael Hoster

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As I have made note on several previous occasions, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe is not only one of my favorite imperial IPAs, but also one of my favorite beers––period. Until this weekend, however, I had never tried Weyerbacher's single IPA, Hops Infusion. Considering the truly awesome beverage that is Double Simcoe, I assumed that Hops Infusion would be at least remotely similar in both composition and delivery. But alas, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion tasted more like some sort of an Americanized bitter or ESB than an IPA––and, it was kind of disappointing.

Hops Infusion poured a hazy, copper orange, with a medium off-white head. It demonstrated a particularly light aroma of grass and wild flowers as well as a hint of sweet caramel. Upon consumption, Hops Infusion delivered a few notes of exceedingly dry earthen spice and a touch of tangy grapefruit rind. The especially dry, somewhat spicy, seemingly yeasty nuances of both Saaz and Kent Goldings hops were forthrightly evident. The finish was fairly smooth, leaving a light coating of subtle spice. Not awful, but not very memorable either.

Perhaps, I have grown almost too accustomed to West Coast-style IPAs. I long for those palate-dominating blasts of grapefruit and pine. I suppose these preferences are the telltale, tremendously clichéd', signs and symptoms of an American beer geek. Nonetheless, I still try to carry a level of appreciation for milder pale ales.

But, in regard to Hops Infusion, I cannot help but take issue with its brewer-authored description... "Made with seven hop varieties, this deep copper-orange IPA is loaded with juicy hop notes of pine, lemon zest, and a layer of pink grapefruit and a strong foundation of toasted caramel malts underneath it all give this beer a complexity that's unparalleled." Now, that description would be fitting for Great Lakes Commodore Perry or Fort Collins Rocky Mountain IPA, but not Hops Infusion. "Unparalleled complexity?" Not by a long shot.

Bottom line––Weyerbacher Hops Infusion is an okay beer. It is not, however, a particularly good IPA. If you are looking for a very-easy-to-drink pseudo-ESB, you will likely enjoy Hops Infusion. But, if you are seeking a brew that genuinely demonstrates "unparalleled complexity," stick with its big brother, Double Simcoe.

For more information on Hops Infusion or other Weyerbacher products, visit www.weyerbacher.com.