Flagship 9.0: Rohrbach Brewing Company

So I’ve been looking forward to writing this review all day long. Just waiting for the chance to crack open a can of my favorite Double IPA.  Rohrbach Brewing Company’s Space Kitty is a beer that I am always willing to pick up for any occasion. I still remember the first time I had it with my co worker Brian after work at a local pub, crisp, hoppy, and packing a punch. There is no doubt this beer put some hairs on my chest.

Enough talking, let’s get down to business.

The Beer: Space Kitty by Rohrbach Brewing Company

Style: Double IPA

ABV: 8.4% IBU: 96

Brewer’s Thoughts

If you go Rohrbach’s website and look under the Classic Series you will find a plethora of amazing beers. You should definitely check them all out. But for now let’s take a look at what they say about Space Kitty.

https://www.rohrbachs.com/classic-series

‘This American Double IPA features a trio of rare hops, high in alpha acids and juicy oils, that mimic theWest Coast style we love so dearly. Do not age Space Kitty and please drink fresh.’

Cracking It Open

Phew! When I first cracked this can open I think I felt my pants jump for a second. Space Kitty pours a nice pale amber color that is topped with a thick foamy head that gives the aromas a good push out the cup.

The aromas pack a nice punch thick with hops. It’s the perfect combination of citrus and pine with a resiny feel to it. Even in the aromas it’s very apparent the hops used are high in alpha acids.  Making Space Kitty such a beautiful Double IPA. The aromas come together very well, they’re not two separate aromas but a perfect pairing. The aromas do well at showing Space Kitty’s guns in regards to the West Coast influence. I could bask in these aromas all day.

Time to Drink (Finally!)

The moment I’ve been waiting for all day!

The first sip feels like liquid gold. There is no hiding the fact that Space Kitty sways towards the West Coast. Instantly the flavor is packed with amazing hop bitterness consisting of an oily texture to accentuate the flavors.

Right off the bat there is a ting of bitterness that doesn’t smack you in the face but still rattles your cage. With the bitterness comes a citrus flavor, not a juicy one, this one leans more towards a hoppy citrus flavor that latches onto the bitterness very well. The two of them walk hand in hand together perfectly. A match made in heaven. More towards mid sip there is a noticeable move away from the citrus flavor and a mellow pine flavor kicks in. The citrus is still there lingering in the background, but the pine leaps forward and brings out a touch more of the bitterness. At mid sip I suggest letting it linger for a second or two so you can fully enjoy the West Coast feel of Space Kitty.

After mid sip towards the swallow the flavors seem to mellow out for a second along with the bitterness. But shortly thereafter they jump out and grab the controls. The swallow into the aftertaste is perfect. That mellow point I just spoke of allows you to chill for a hot second which helps the flavors flare up more. There’s a nice hoppy bitterness flavor that takes center stage and then there a shift between the pine and citrus. Every sip seems to bring one or the other or a combination there of. I know it seems odd, but I really concentrated on this part to get a full grasp of it. The hops circulate through this beer in such a fashion it’s almost God like.

So this is the ironic part of Space Kitty, or at least I feel it is. As bitter as the flavor is, being West Coast inspired, it’s a relatively smooth swallow and transition into the aftertaste. Not that it discards the high alpha acid notes from the hops and drops off all bitterness. There’s a nice oily texture that makes it just smooth enough that it’s almost dangerous for a Double IPA.

The transition into the aftertaste is absolutely brilliant. There’s a slight bitter burst and then an oily mouthfeel that mellows out the bitterness very well. But don’t be mistaken the West Coast influence still remains at this point. The oily mouthfeel really brings out the hop flavors, mostly consisting of pine but there are notes of citrus to be mentioned. Along side that oily mouthfeel is a resiny texture I guess you could say that pushes the bitterness into the spotlight. It’s a perfect balance between the two that will leave you craving for more. It’s difficult not grabbing ‘just one more.’ I would love to be able to drink these all night by a fire. Of course I’d be out cold drooling on myself before long. But that’s the amazing thing about Space Kitty, it’s good enough where you don’t want to abuse it’s power but still respect it enough to go back.

Concluding Thoughts

I hope you enjoy Space Kitty as much as I do. But please exercise caution, Space Kitty will put you in your place. Rohrbach’s did such an amazing job creating this beer that I have trouble putting it to words. The West Coast influence is very apparent but at the same time the bitterness is kept in check that it doesn’t just turn into a hop bomb and blow you away. The flavor can be very complex; that I do not take for granted. But given the proper time to enjoy you can really touch on everything Space Kitty has to offer. Do not pound this beer, otherwise you will miss all the amazing parts of it. Instead, crack one open and take the time to fully enjoy everything Space Kitty can provide for you. I could go on forever about this beer, but I’m sure you can easily see how much I love this beer. Grab one for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments section.

Whether at the brewery or at a craft beer store grab a pint. Take your time, enjoy Space Kitty to the very end, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Cheers!

Thanks for reading!