840 is the big brother of Stone Coast's 420 IPA. Its one of very few "extreme" beers here in Maine. A double IPA is rarely seen around these parts. Word on the street is that Stone Coast is going to be brewing a 1260 IPA as well.
According to the Stone Coast site:
The 840 is "Brewed with 840 ounces, thats 52.5 pounds, a generous amount of these are fresh whole hops during the conditioning stage and after the beer is filtered, creating an amazing balance between the alcoholic warmth and textured body."
The 840 pours a hefty dark, thick amber color. On top is a big, fat, fluffy head. Another one that looks like someone poured pancake batter on top of it. The head settle nicely though and I'm left with about a finger's worth of head that really leaves some nice lacing on the sides of the glass. Not a bad looking pour at all.
Smell is unique. First scent that comes to me is bubblegum but that quickly turns to some citrusy and earthy hops smells. A little bit of grapefruit and some herbal scents finish things up. This is the first time I've had this in a bottle, the last time I tried it was straight from a vat during a tour of the brewery last summer. I don't really get a lot of those big, fresh intense hop smells like some of the big West Coast dIPAs but I am going in with an open mind (still keeping with my "New Beers Resolution").
Lets commence consumption. First thing that hits me is the bitterness that takes over my mouth. Its pretty intense and almost sharp. Once you get over that you can taste some citrus and also some very sweet and syrupy notes. Its note exactly balanced like some bigger IPAs. It falls into the category of one-sided. Its definitely a strong and warming beer and its not altogether a bad brew, its just a little off from the style.
Maybe its the hop varieties used or maybe the balance? Who knows. I'll be on the look out for the 1260 for no other reason than to say I've drank a triple IPA from here in Maine. If you are looking for a great beer from Stone Coast check out their Jamaican Style Stout!
BEER FACTS
Name: 840 Imperial India Pale Ale
Style: Imperial/Double India Pale Ale
Brewery: Stone Coast Brewing Company
Location: Portland, Maine, USA
Container: 22 oz. bottle
Malts: ?
Hops: ?
ABV: ?
IBUs: ?
Brewed in Maine
2 comments:
At this rate, hop plants will soon be put on the endangered plant species list. There's going to be a limit on just how many hops the human body can absorb. Still, would be a nice brew to taste I imagine. Bet it's pricey though.
The 840 is around $5 a bottle so its not too bad compared to some of the other Imperial/Double IPAs around.
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