Kettlehouse Double Haul IPA
Friday, May 21st, 2010 by HannahThe second of my tastes of Montana was better than the first. I’m glad it was, too – I hate enjoying a good beer and following it up with a bummer. Kettlehouse Double Haul IPA isn’t for the hop heads out there but it’s a tasty, balanced IPA all the same.
Now, although MY opinion of this India Pale Ale is that it’s less hoppy than many, Kettlehouse’s website begs to differ, stating that it "scores big with our hop-headed friends." Despite these two differing views, this brew did win a 2008 gold metal from the North American Brewers Association, so super-hopped or not, it does have some finer points.
Double Haul IPA poured a golden amber with a fluffy white head that stuck around for quite some time. From the look of the pour, this ale looked like it would be far fuller-bodied than the Bitter Root I reviewed yesterday (which again, I do not recommend). Double Haul’s aroma was quite floral with a hint of sweet, honey-bread malt.
Tight-bubbled carbonation was evident on the tip and under the sides of my tongue, but its body overall was medium-heavy. Very nice weight and mouthfeel to this IPA. As I mentioned before, the palate of Double Haul is very balanced; it is neither hoppy nor malty, but right in between. I taste some citrusy, floral hops in the front, finishing with a sweet fruit—almost near berry flavor—in the finish. Any bitterness is nicely backed by that hint of bready malt for a really good balance.
I liked this IPA and would most definitely drink it again, if I had the chance. Plus, at 6.5% ABV, Double Haul would make a tasty session beer. Sure, it’s a little high for a long session but, you can handle it.
Cheers!
TAGS [ BEER REVIEW | BEER REVIEWS | KETTLEHOUSE BREWING | DOUBLE HAUL IPA ]
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May 21st, 2010 at 10:40 am
Sounds like an interesting beer. Too bad I’ve never seen it around New Jersey. Guess I’ll have to keep an eye out for it.
May 24th, 2010 at 10:06 am
ChinaMatt – yah, I’ve never seen it around NY either. A friend sent it to me from Montana and I’m starting to wonder if one can find it anywhere but there!
May 24th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Montana brewing companies are some of the best in the nation – Kettlehouse, being one of the best in Montana. Thanks for visiting our great state, kegworks!
September 5th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Hey, I really appreciated your tasting notes. I’m a long time Missoulian whose been gone from Missoula a long time. On a trip through, I picked up an 8-pack of cans to share with the missus. Our own impressions were very similar to yours. Honey bread is a great way to describe the malt. For me, the thing I love about this beer is the fact that its aroma has a very fresh grain character. Sniffing this beer reminds me of sniffing the crystal malt bins at the homebrew shop. Good stuff.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Peter – I’m with you on the Double Haul IPA all the way. Hope the missus enjoyed it as much as you and I did!