Caolan Vaughan, head brewer and production manager of Thornbridge in the United Kingdom, traveled to Fort Collins, CO, to continue his “brewmance” with Doug Odell in February of 2012. The result was Pond Hopper, a Double Extra Pale Ale that uses English malts and American hops.
The beer pours a dark, citrus orange topped with a heavy head. Mango and peaches immediately come across the nose from feet away. Upon closer inspection, a waft of alcohol passes the nostrils as more tropical fruits lead the beer. Pineapple appears, followed by a sweetness stemming from the hops and not the malts, which is surprising given the 8.9 percent ABV.
An expected toast or bread flavor never shows, and instead, a very rich texture and light mouthfeel capture this wonderful beer. It is packaged in a cork-and-cage 750-ml bottle and is available in both the United Kingdom and the Odell distribution area in the United States.
