Surly Brewing’s Furious IPA is one of those beers that has gained quite a reputation in the craft world, and for good reason. It’s bold, un-apologetically hoppy, and packed with character, making it a staple for IPA lovers who aren’t afraid of a little (or a lot of) bitterness. Here’s my take on this Minnesota favorite.
First Impressions
When you pour Furious into a glass, it greets you with a deep amber-red color that’s slightly hazy, topped with a dense, off-white head. Right off the bat, it looks like a beer that’s going to pack a punch. The aroma is intense, with a big wave of pine and citrus that wafts up, followed by a subtle caramel maltiness. It’s the kind of scent that lets you know you’re about to drink something serious.
Tasting Notes
Flavor
On the first sip, Furious doesn’t hold back. The bitterness hits immediately, with strong notes of pine resin and grapefruit rind. For hop lovers, this is heaven—there’s a juicy, almost aggressive hop flavor that dominates the palate. Beyond the initial bitterness, though, there’s a layer of sweetness that comes through from the caramel malt, which balances things out a bit. This sweetness isn’t cloying, but it’s enough to prevent the bitterness from becoming overwhelming. The interplay between the hops and the malt is complex and keeps you coming back for more, trying to catch all the subtle shifts in flavor.
Mouthfeel
Furious has a medium to full body, and it feels substantial without being too heavy. The carbonation is just right, adding a bit of liveliness without distracting from the flavors. It’s not one of those “crispy” IPAs. It’s a little more rounded, which works well with the bold flavor profile.
Finish
The finish is long and, unsurprisingly, bitter. Those pine and citrus notes linger, leaving a slightly resinous coating on the tongue. If you’re not a fan of big, lingering bitterness, this might be a downside. But for those who appreciate a classic IPA punch, the finish is rewarding and satisfying.
Ratings (Out of 5)
- Appearance: 4.5 – The amber-red hue and rich head are gorgeous, and it just looks like a beer that means business.
- Aroma: 4.0 – Intense and inviting with those signature hop notes, but it can feel a bit one-dimensional if you’re looking for more complexity.
- Flavor: 4.5 – Fantastic for hop lovers, with complex layers and a bold bitterness. But if you’re sensitive to bitterness, it may be a bit much.
- Mouthfeel: 4.0 – Smooth and substantial without being heavy; well-balanced carbonation.
- Overall Enjoyment: 4.0 – This is an excellent IPA that delivers on its promise, but it’s definitely a beer for a particular type of drinker. If you love hops and crave intensity, it’s a go-to. If you prefer a more balanced or subtle approach, Furious might not be the best fit.
The Verdict
Surly’s Furious IPA is a brew that proudly flaunts its hop-forward character and intensity. It’s not a beer for the faint-hearted, but for those who want a powerful, full-flavored IPA experience, it hits the mark. The bitterness can be a bit much for some, especially if you’re not a fan of lingering hop resin, but overall, it’s a well-crafted beer that deserves its reputation.
If you’ve tried a Surly Furious IPA, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Reply