ExceptioNEL
(has 1 batch)

Rohune, mõrune, linnaseline, alkone, alkone. Ok.

The ‘eisbocked’ version of Jopen’s core IPA, Mooie Nel, pumped up to a formidable 13% ABV (formidable for IPA at least). Thanks to Steve for sharing. Egg-white, moussy, rather loose, opening head on a hazy amberish-tinged deep golden beer. Intense aroma of orange liqueur, peaches in syrup, cognac, amaretto even, candied mandarin, orange sorbet, whisky. Sweet, dense onset, clearly ‘densified’ by the Eisbock treatment, candied orange and mandarin peel, some pineapple perhaps, soft carb, full and very oily body, biscuity core with caramelly edges under a marmalade-like effect from the hops having been amplified, obviously followed by liqueurish, brandy-like alcohol and lingering orange zest. Feels like a kind of beer cocktail of sorts, but the all too familiar basic beer is still recognizable; Jopen went to the top here, but managed not to go over the top – a version of, say, 15% or more would have been too much. If you must insist on ‘eisbocking’ IPA (or eisbocking any beer), then this is the way you should do it.

Clear golden to orange amber, very thin off white head. Aroma: Hoppy, citrus fruit, boozy hints. Taste: Quite sweet, dried (concentrated) citrus fruit, orange peel, nice amount of hopbitterness. Dank, herbal notes. Boozy, warming mouthfeel. Very long lasting bitter hop and orange peel finish. Over medium body, just below average carbonation. Over moderate sweet and over moderate going to medium and even over medium bitterness at the finish. Mooie Nel on Steroids, all flavours are tasting very concentrated, resulting in a quite interesting mix of strong flavours.