Hoptopus! I’m starting off the review with the name of the beer because I like saying it. Damn straight that’s good enough a reason. This hoppy pale wheat ale is from Commonhouse Ales, a new feel-good brewery that makes beer for good causes, which basically makes it a super hero.
On the nose, Hoptopus establishes a crackery malt base upon which to build its hops. Citrus notes arrive next, mainly orange and lemon zest with a touch of grapefruit bite at the sides. As it warms, there is a faint hint of tropical fruit juice, but it is there and gone before you can fully grasp the aroma. There’s a touch of dry earth within each breath, mainly from some hop spice. Floral notes arrive near the end, rounding out the hop aroma with a soft but fresh finish.
The same crackery base arrives with the first taste, the wheat creating a smooth and full drink. Orange peel begins the hop show, while the spice and earth from the aroma returns as well. There’s an herbal bite at the back of each drink, which teams up with the citrus peel and spice to create a full bitterness without melting the tongue. Every now and then, especially as the beer warms, fleeting notes of tropical fruit dance across the tip of the tongue, but they are quickly buried beneath the citrus punch. Each drink is refreshing and quenching, and at a sub-6% ABV, the flavors aren’t sticking around too long, allowing your mouth to reset in between drinks.
Hoptopus is a nice beer to drink after yardwork, or just chilling with friends. You can have a couple without needing a nap, and the flavors contribute to a fresh and crisp drinking experience. There’s nothing groundbreaking or excitingly remarkable about this beer. It isn’t pushing any hop limits. But, it’s tasty and it’s a great easy-drinking for these waning summer weeks.
Editor’s Note: 17th Star Distributing, which distributes Commonhouse Ales, was destroyed by a fire over the weekend, destroying most of the three-week old brewery’s inventory, in addition to beer from The Brew Kettle, Cismontane Brewing, Iron Fist Brewing, Stout Brewing and Employee Brewing Company. You may have a hard time finding beers from these breweries on store shelves for the next few weeks, but they could all definitely use your patronage if and when you do spot a six pack. Cheers.
full disclosure: Commonhouse is a speechbubble client
