Hopheads Ball! IPA Day Reviews

After a long day of work, and temps back in the 105-110 range, as opposed to the 100 to 105 range (do you see a theme here?), the IPA day festivities at Tapwerk's were a very welcomed respite.  Beer-geek hopcentrics were in full force, as I noticed a ton of people enjoying the casked IPA's, as well as some damn good hop-inspired and infused food; a great sign the collective beer-geek palates of OKC are finally arriving.

Marshall Dry-Hopped Atlas IPA

First up was the Marshall Dry Hopped Atlas IPA, a beer that knocks a solid double regular style, but nearly grand slams firkin-like.  Saw a murky brown pour this time with a fine lace all around. I nooticed apricot to the nose and a chalkier mouth-feel. The sweetness was still there. A little hoppier and hotter than I remember, but smooth as hell. Excellent change up here.

My second choice was the Choc Double "ABA", an exclusive new release from our Krebs pals.  This one poured dark brown; bordering on black.  A thick tan head faded to a thick and consistent lace all around.  Smelled of earthy hops and sweet chocolate as a bonus.  Complex to the tongue with a little grain, tree bark, treacle, discreet dark fruits (plums, raisins) and big earthy hops to the tongue.  The 9.5% ABV heated things up nicely.

Had an open mouthfeel which became very edgy secondary to the alcohol and hops, although there was a cask smoothness underneath that helped even things out.  Became sticky after a while.  This one laid it all on the line and attacked with full force right up the middle, overtaking enemy lines, and leaving no dearth of casualties.  

IPA-Mango-Salsa-yumminess

Last but assuredly not least was one of my all time OKC on-tap faves, the Coop F-5, all dry hopped and cask conditioned as well.

Had a striking, prolific and pleasant grapefruit hop aroma for pure olfactory awesomeness.  Big citrus hops to the tongue with an open mouth-feel that I didn't recall from my past experiences.  Earthiness and a few sour notes work into the equation.  Sharp in the initial moments, but smoothed out at the end for a wonderful all around experience.   

Free T-shirts, abundantly flowing hops, and a bunch of very cool people leaves just one question to be answered (as a fellow Beer Advocate pointed out); when the hell is Barleywine day!