Our beer industry sees so many new variations on styles and processes, seemingly each with its own acronym or set of initials, that even a self-respecting beer writer can get confused. I’ve been seeing the word DIPA for enough years that when I saw DIP HOP TDH on Bridge Road’s latest NEeD IPA, I began to interpret it as Double India Pale Hop Triple-Dry-Hopped. But this, fair reader, is not what it means.
The name refers to dip-hopping – a process we’ve written about here – and the TDH in this instance refers to the IPA being triple dip-hopped rather than triple dry-hopped. And while this beer sits at 8.5 percent ABV, the "double" or "imperial" simply has to be assumed; if Bridge Road called this a DIP HOP TDH DIPA, people would think there’s a glitch in the Matrix.
This triple dip-hopping – or Trip Dipping, as I like to call it (patent pending) – has allowed Bridge Road to wring a massive amount of clean, bright fruit notes from the hops without some of the heavier characters that might usually accompany them. Orange peel and mango come through tasting rich with some sticky toffee, holding their own alongside the pleasant alcohol flavours, with enough bitterness to balance without bludgeoning.
Even though this is a powerful double IPA, the overall impression is one of well-integrated flavours. It’s like a high quality blended Scotch that’s drinks like a single malt – smooth enough for sipping neat. The flavours are clear, but there’s no single element here that tries to steal the show. It’s the musician in the corner playing great acoustic covers – sometimes you tune in and listen for a while and find yourself impressed, while at other times you let the music flow into the background and set the scene for your conversation with friends.
Mick Wust
Published October 15, 20212021-10-15 00:00:00
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of craft beer, I've had the pleasure of exploring the intricate landscape of brewing styles and processes. My journey has involved not only savoring the end products but delving into the technicalities that give each beer its unique identity. The wealth of acronyms and terminology in the beer industry has become a second language to me, allowing me to decipher and appreciate the nuances of every brew.
Now, let's dissect the article you've shared, shedding light on the concepts it introduces:
-
DIPA: This acronym stands for Double India Pale Ale. In the context of the article, it seems to be a foundational term, and the beer discussed has an 8.5 percent ABV, indicating a robust and potent brew.
-
DIP HOP TDH: Initially, the author interprets it as Double India Pale Hop Triple-Dry-Hopped, but the true meaning is revealed later. The "DIP HOP TDH" is associated with dip-hopping, a process that enhances the hop flavors in the beer. The "TDH" specifies that the beer is triple dip-hopped rather than triple dry-hopped.
-
Triple Dip-Hopping (Trip Dipping): This unique brewing process employed by Bridge Road involves triple dip-hopping. The author humorously coins the term "Trip Dipping" for this technique, emphasizing the patent-pending nature. This method extracts clean, bright fruit notes from the hops without introducing heavier characters.
-
Flavor Profile: Despite the beer being a powerful double IPA with an assumed imperial nature, the article describes the overall impression as one of well-integrated flavors. It draws an analogy to a high-quality blended Scotch that drinks like a single malt—smooth and sophisticated. The flavor notes mentioned include orange peel and mango, rich with sticky toffee, accompanied by pleasant alcohol flavors and balanced bitterness.
-
Musical Analogy: The article concludes with a musical analogy, likening the beer to a talented musician playing great acoustic covers in the corner. The beer's flavors are clear and well-blended, much like the musician who adds to the ambiance without overpowering the scene.
In summary, this article not only introduces a specific beer and its brewing techniques but also weaves in humor and analogies to convey the sensory experience of the brew. It's a testament to the artistry and innovation within the craft beer industry.
