Name: Intergalactic 2.0
Brewer: Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits (Philippines)
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8%
Review Year: 2020
Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits head brewer Raoul Masangcay just released the revamped version of Intergalactic, a hazy Double IPA that doubles down on the citrus characters and bitterness.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Double IPA (22A) in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Similar to the other beers of Raoul, we were able to compare Intergalactic 2.0 with a previous batch. In this case, the pilot batch he released in April last year. Intergalactic 2.0 pours a very hazy orange-brown color with an off-white head. This reboot takes on a slightly darker hue compared to its 2019 version.
The 2020 reboot offers an aroma profile of very prominent orange and grapefruit, with some oat-like and mango puree impressions. The aroma showcase is definitely an improvement from its predecessor that had muted apricots, blackberries, and mangoes.
This Double IPA is medium-full bodied and has a carbonation level a notch higher than average. The perceived flavor balance is 75 percent hops and 25 percent malts as expected from the style. Hop flavors dominate with assertive citrus notes and some white wine impressions. A supportive bread-like malt presence is also noted. A pine-like bitterness is definitely high but not harsh, while fermentation character seems to be bready, subdued, or just neutral. Alcohol is well-integrated. This flavor profile is more defined compared to the pilot batch which had spice-like (e.g, star anise) and very bready and/ or yeasty tones. A dry impression is noted in the aftertaste characterized further by unsweetened orange juice.
THE VERDICT
Do not let the cute quote and the hazy appearance fool you, this is a Double IPA that doubles down on the citrus hop characteristics and bitterness but restrains well the alcohol character and astringency. The white wine accent is a nice touch to the overall profile. For some, the Intergalactic 2.0 may weigh heavily on the palate with the burst of intense flavors and mouthfeel making it something you would not drink a lot of servings of in one sitting. It is also the same reason why we think this Double IPA is not for craft beer newbies.
The first batch of Intergalactic released last year seemed to have some hazy identity issues on its own. We are glad Raoul fixed that in the 2.0 version.
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