It started innocently enough with IPAs and ESB’s. Then came double IPA and beers like Dogfish Head’s 60-minute and 90-minute IPA. After a while, you realize it… you’re addicted to hops. And I’m not alone – a recent article in the NY Times said that more hops in beer is a growing trend.
While dining at the Sunset Grill & Tap recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy a few double IPA’s. They even have a handful on tap now, which is impressive, since if I remember correctly, I don’t think that they had that before. Its an interesting trend and one that matches up with several other culinary trends towards bolder, stronger flavors in food and drink.
Hoppy beers are an acquired taste, though I’m not sure how you acquire it. Its bitter but flowery, tart but sweet… I think you either like it or you don’t. I’m not a huge fans of stouts and porters, but I’ll take a hoppy beer any day. Here’s my list of my favorite hoppy beers:
Harpoon IPA (not the hoppiest of the bunch, but an old standby)