Destihl Brewery (Normal, Illinois) delivers another great beer with their award winning** Tour Bus Double Dry Hopped Hazy IPA. This beer is part of their experimental Deadhead series, showcasing their commitment to bold flavors and modern brewing techniques. As a hazy IPA enthusiast, I was eager to dive into this brew, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Appearance – (4.5/5)
The beer pours a vibrant, cloudy golden-orange, with a thick, frothy white head that lingers impressively. It’s a textbook hazy IPA in appearance, with a luminous, almost glowing quality. The lacing is sticky and consistent, leaving a beautiful pattern on the glass as you sip.
Aroma – (4.25/5)
The nose is a burst of tropical and citrus-forward hops, with prominent notes of mango, pineapple, and tangerine. There’s a subtle undertone of pine and a touch of floral sweetness, likely from the double dry-hopping process. While the aroma is vibrant and inviting, it leans slightly toward the sweeter side, which might not appeal to those seeking a more balanced or resinous hop profile.
Flavor – (4/5)
On the palate, the Tour Bus delivers a juicy, fruit-forward experience. The tropical notes from the aroma carry through, with mango and pineapple taking center stage, complemented by a hint of grapefruit zest. The double dry-hopping technique amplifies the hop flavors, but the bitterness is restrained, making this a very approachable hazy IPA. The malt backbone is minimal, providing just enough sweetness to balance the hops without overshadowing them. However, the finish is slightly one dimensional, with the sweetness lingering a bit longer than I’d prefer, leaving me craving a touch more bitterness or complexity.
Mouthfeel – (4.5/5)
The mouthfeel is where this beer truly shines. It’s creamy and velvety, with a medium body that feels luxurious on the palate. The carbonation is soft and effervescent, enhancing the beer’s drinkability. It’s dangerously smooth, making it easy to forget this is a 7.4% ABV beer.
Overall – (4.25/5)
Destihl’s Tour Bus Double Dry Hopped Hazy IPA is a great entry in the hazy IPA category, offering a juicy, tropical flavor profile and an exceptional mouthfeel. The brewery’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries is evident here, and this beer is a testament to their dedication to the craft.
If you’re a fan of juicy, tropical hazy IPAs and enjoy exploring beers from breweries known for their experimental spirit, the Tour Bus Double Dry Hopped Hazy IPA is well worth a try.
**Gold Medal winner at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival – Juicy or Hazy IPA Category.
If you’ve tried Tour Bus, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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