Hood River’s Double Mountain Brewery has been sending me samples of beers and ciders this year, and so far they have been either all IPAs or ciders. Not that I’m complaining! But it’s a good time to post reviews of the two most recent IPAs I’ve received, worth seeking out if you can find them.

Juicy, Clearly Not Hazy IPA

I received this bottle in March and drank it that same month for freshness. This spring seasonal is Double Mountain’s own tweak to the hazy IPA trend, evoking the juiciness of the style without the opacity. The brewery’s description from the press release read:

This is a Juicy IPA, Double Mountain style. Juicy’s don’t have to be Hazy, but Hazy’s can be Juicy. So, we set out to make a non-hazy, incredibly aromatic, juicy IPA, and (*gasp) lower on the alcohol. Not all Juicy IPA’s need to be hazy. Pour in to a dense tropical rainforest dripping with the sticky, delicious mango, kind herb, and ripe orange. The taste of the tropics continues in the rounded body, leaving only a whisper of bitterness. Juicy? Clearly.

With 5.9% ABV and only 25 IBUs, it defies expectations and is quite sessionable.

Appearance: Pretty clear, deep gold in color, and nicely effervescent. Bubbles are feeding two fingers of fluffy white head that’s delicate and reminds me of whipped egg whites.

Smell: Juicy with mango, sweat, and savory greens typical of New World hops. Tropical and a bit citrusy, with some peppercorn spiciness. Dank.

Taste: Freshly-juiced greens (lamb’s quarters) with citrus zest that brings a bit of fruit and spice, and a lovely grainy cracker malt base. Really that malt character is flavorful and biscuit-like and delicious. Decent citrus flavors with a bit of light lemon, and a spicy hop note at the back.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body with, yes, a “juice” feel on the palate. A kiss of effervescence, and refreshing finish.

Overall: This is quite a nice beer, though I’d classify it more as a pale ale than IPA with its stats and general drinkability. The malt flavor is great here while it shines in hop aroma.

Simcoe a GoGo IPA

This is more in line with a traditional IPA, over the Juicy, though I know people have mixed feelings toward the Simcoe hop variety. Love it or hate it, this IPA shines with the single use of Simcoe and it’s a good way to get to know the hop. Here’s the description I posted when I received this bottle:

With this Single Hop IPA, Double Mountain Brewery is releasing the newest addition to our seasonal beer lineup. Double Mountain Brewer’s love playing with a single hop and when news came around that Simcoe would be available for this year’s single hop beer, they were beyond excited. The versatility of the Simcoe hop shines with a big hop back, and not one, but two dry hop adds, along with the delicious resinous pine, earthy citrus, ripe red berry, and deep citrus aromas for which Simcoe is known and loved.

Simcoe a GoGo is 6.5% ABV with 55 IBUs.

Appearance: Golden in color and bright, mostly clear with a slight haze. Lacy, wispy, egg white head, with great lacing.

Smell: Savory, catty, green, juicy with a cactus leaf impression. Slight spiciness, like you’d find in dandelion greens or nettles.

Taste: Savory hop note with a gentle earthy-tart snap (makes me think of lamb’s quarters again) and a lightly peppery spice. Green peppercorns. The more I drink, the more that spiciness lingers. Clean, neutral base malt to showcase the hops, which are interesting.

Mouthfeel: Medium-light body with good attenuation and an herbal (spicy) finish.

Overall: The Simcoe aroma here reminds me of a savory juice aroma, like a green veggie juice with a touch of herbs.

Double Mountain brews most styles of beer quite well, and really shines when it comes to IPAs and hoppy styles. Both of these beers are no exception, and well worth your time to find and drink.