Defiance Brewing Company (Hays, Kansas) has a history rooted in creative freedom. Co-founders Dylan Sultzer and Matt Bender, both experienced brewers, sought the liberty to experiment and innovate, leading to the inception of the brewery. The annual release of Awesomeness Double IPA showcases their dedication to crafting unique and evolving brews, with each batch offering a fresh take on the style. These are our thoughts on the 2024 version.
Tasting Notes
The beer pours a hazy golden-orange with a frothy white head that lingers, leaving a nice lacing on the glass. The aroma is a vibrant burst of tropical fruit, such as ripe mango, pineapple, and a hint of citrus zest, backed by a subtle piney resin that hints at the hop-forward experience to come.
On the palate, Awesomeness delivers a juicy, fruit-forward profile with flavors of apricot, tangerine, and a touch of peach. The malt backbone is present but restrained, providing just enough sweetness to balance the assertive hop bitterness. The finish is dry and slightly bitter, with a lingering aftertaste of grapefruit and a touch of floral hop character. At 8% ABV, the alcohol is well masked, though a slight warmth emerges as the beer warms.
Balance and Drinkability
While the beer excels in its hop complexity and tropical fruit notes, it leans heavily on the bitter side, which might overwhelm those who prefer a more balanced or malt-forward IPA. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with moderate carbonation, making it smooth but not overly creamy. It’s a sipper rather than a session beer, which is expected given the style.
Ratings
Appearance – 4.1/5
Aroma – 4.5/5
Flavor – 4.5/5
Mouthfeel – 4.1/5
Overall – 4.3/5
Defiance Brewing has a reputation for pushing boundaries with their brews, and Awesomeness is no exception. What sets this beer apart is its use of a proprietary hop blend, which the brewery keeps under wraps. This adds an element of mystery and intrigue, inviting drinkers to guess the hop varieties used.
Awesomeness is a well crafted, hop-heavy beer that will delight fans of the style. Its tropical fruit aromas and bold bitterness make it a standout, though its intensity might not appeal to those seeking a more balanced or approachable IPA. If you’re a hop head or enjoy exploring unique Double IPAs, this one is definitely worth a try!
If you’ve tried Defiance Brewing’s Awesomeness double IPA, please let us know what you thought about it in the comments below.
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