Highland Brewing Co., out of Asheville N.C., is one of the originators of the now booming Asheville craft beer scene. Today's sampling is from their seasonal portfolio, a uniquely hoppy red IPA known as "Devil's Britches". The beer was inspired by the beautifully visual Southern Appalachian mountain range. The first thing you notice when pouring Devil's Britches is it's devilish red color. It's topped off with a frothy off white head which dissipated rather quickly. There are strong piney aromatics with hints of pear. I found the flavor to be a blend of roasted malt and mild grapefruit bitterness, with nutty overtones present in the aftertaste. As the beer warmed its hop character became even more pronounced.Devil's Britches is brewed with 2-Row, Ashburne Mild and Extra Special malts. The hops are Apollo, Bravo and Columbus, then it's dry hopped with Calypso. For those not familiar with Calypso hops they impart a complex fruity citrus aroma, with hints of pear, apple and sweet lemon lime. Depending on their application you might also detect notes of tea and tropical fruit in the beers aroma. Devil's Britches is not all that menacing at 6.0% ABV, but it's 70 IBU rating might just scare those of you with "mild mannered" taste buds right back to Sunday Church. Cheers!
For more info on Highland beers visit: highLand brewing company
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