Brewview#48: Hermetic IPA by 12 Gates Brewing Company

Since I heard 12 Gates Brewing Company was planning another can release of one of their amazing beers I’ve been highly anticipating this moment. The Hermetic IPA, a very interesting choice of name for a beer, but the more I read about 12 Gates Brewing Company the more it makes sense. How did they come up with this name? I recently read a small piece on the IPA and to sum it up I would like to quote it. Coming from 12 Gates’ website:

‘The Hermetic form of Alchemy encompasses all three forms of alchemy. It is the underlying philosophy of alchemy, to change and make pure. Whether it is the body, the soul, or the earth, there is a conversion, a purification, a process of change. We took that philosophy and applied it to this beer. We tried new ideas, new techniques, and a new understanding to create a great summer IPA from base materials.’

Pretty interesting. Now I’ve already had the Hermetic IPA on draft while at the brewery and it lives up to its name. It has a unique side to it that will allow it to stick out from other beers. But I don’t want to give away too much without diving into the Brewview, so let’s go!

The Beer: Hermetic IPA by 12 Gates Brewing Company

ABV: 5.9% IBU: 32

Hops: Citra

Amarillo

Mosaic

Rakau

Waimea

Malts: Not too sure at this point

Before I begin, as I always do if possible, I would like to share what 12 Gates says about Hermetic IPA. When looking on their website under the ‘On Tap’ section you will find:

‘A softly bittered IPA with loads of sexy hops to give it tons of tropical fruit and citrus flavor and aroma, including pineapple and grapefruit.’

Can to Glass

The Hermetic IPA starts off with an excellent aromatic punch, easily noticed from a foot away. Looking at the hops used and from what 12 Gates said, it was not at all surprising that the aromas were packed with tropical fruit including citrus, grapefruit, and pineapple as well as a slight pine touch to them. Though all the hops used are known for their citrus and tropical fruit aromas, I’m thinking the pine comes from the Rakau and Waimea. Both hops I have never seen before. Though the Hermetic IPA combines a wide array of aromas, none of them really collide with each other but flow together.

Working alongside the aromas, the appearance of the IPA really brings it up a level. In my eyes it helps to bring out the tropical vision that is the Hermetic IPA. A very nice hazy, pale straw color, giving it a pineapple/grapefruit appearance. Though there isn’t much to say about the head, as I consume more of my beer there is a nice creamy residue left on my glass.

Down The Hatch

Take everything I said about the aromas and transfer that to flavor and boom that is the Hermetic IPA. 12 Gates was spot on when saying ‘tons of tropical fruit and citrus flavor.’ Again I am not going to be able to differentiate between which hops bring out which flavors. That’s because they are all very similar with what they bring to the table. If there is one thing I can say is the pine flavor again comes from the Rakau and Waimea hops. Besides the pine flavor I am also get an excellent combination of pineapple, grapefruit, and citrus. The two major flavors that are really sticking out to me are the pineapple and grapefruit. The citrus makes more of a presence when it comes to the slight bitter bite that comes mid sip. The IBU rating of 32 was spot on, though there is that mid sip bitterness it quickly disappears and leaves you with an after taste of pine and grapefruit. A very interesting combination. The over all mouthfeel after each sip is very light, providing a very nice summer characteristic to the Hermetic IPA.

Overall, the Hermetic IPA lives up to everything I’ve read and heard about it.

Last Call

The Hermetic IPA is ideal for the upcoming Buffalo summer. From what I’ve read on their website  and heard at the brewery that was one of the intentions for the IPA. The perfect well rounded tropical nature of both the aromas and flavors as well as the light body gives the IPA a perfect summer feel. The hop blend in my eyes was the perfect combination and shows the amazing brewing skills behind 12 Gates Brewing Company. Now the only thing that will make the IPA even better is a nice warm day to drink some under the sun.

Thanks for reading, be sure to stop over to 12 Gates to pick up a four pack or even pint. This is a beer that you won’t want to miss!

Cheers!