04609 – Bar Harbor’s Double IPA

I wrote about 04609 in a previous post, proceeds from the beer will help fund a pilot hop program on a local farm on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Thanks to Atlantic Brewing Company for sending me a bottle to preview.

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Name: 04609

Brewed By: Atlantic Brewing Company

Style: Double IPA

ABV: 6.8%

04609 pours a hazy yellow-orange color with golden highlights. Pour produced a frothy white head that settled slowly and left thick lacing down the glass.

Nose is hop forward and complex. earthy, herbal aromas similar to dry leaves, fresh pine needles and a slight grapefruit to orange peel citrus note mixed in as well. Behind the hops there is a malty/yeasty aroma similar to baked bread.

The flavor is dominated by hops. Herbal, almost vegetal in flavor up front followed closely by citrusy, grapefruit rind flavor and an aggressive bitter finish. The malt flavors are very subdued but there is a touch of caramel sweetness and yeasty, bready undertone. The finish is all hops and lingering bitterness.

Overall I’d say a bold offering in the Double IPA category, the trend these days seems to lean towards an aromatic beer with a softer, fruity flavor and a mild bitterness, 04609 bucks that trend with a strong hop flavor that could be harsh to hop sensitive beer drinkers and an aggressive bitterness. I liked the beer but admittedly wouldn’t’ want to drink more than one, the ABV is low for the style but this beer could wear out your palate. Hops heads will want to give this one a shot.

Cheers

Chaddah

Packaging for 04609. Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Brewing Company

Packaging for 04609. Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Brewing Company

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.