THREE NOTCH’D 40 MILE IPA
November 3, 2016Three Notch'd Brewing Co.
THREE NOTCH’D 40 MILE IPACharlottesville, Virginia Style: India Pale Ale ABV: 6%
Named after the miles covered by Jack Jouett to warn Thomas Jefferson and others of a covert British attack on Charlottesville in 1781.
Deep golden with tan highlights. The head is a rich ecru, tinged, too, with a lovely tan tone. Spicy nose speaks Humulus lupulus but not as boldly as on the palate, where hops are omnipresent. There’s malt, but it takes a backseat to the bitter, herbaceous, coniferlike flavors of hops that hang on in the aftertaste. The flavor is rich and luxurious, almost sweet. We served 40 Mile close to home, in the garden, with charred albacore, buttered long beans, braised zucchini, grilled green peppers, and char-grilled Padrón peppers, a delicious counterbalance to every bite of the spicy peppers.
Charles Finkel is founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co. Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of beers in America.
Expressive and pleasantly explosive floral and citrus American hops generously grace this exceptionally well-made IPA. Pleasant crystal clarity, lingering foam. Hop aromas mirrored in flavor. Hop bitterness well-balanced. Clearly IPA but a gentle softness of hop bitterness, flavor and complexity express themselves with well-meant drinkability. Nice to see such a well-made IPA from my alma mater town, Charlottesville, Virginia. UVA-le. Makes reunions all the mo’ bettah.
Charlie Papazian is the author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and national beer examiner at examiner.com. Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.