Southern Tier describes the Hoppe, an Imperial Extra Pale Ale, by the brewer as an ale of simple composition and is made with those classic and essential ingredients: barley, wheat, hops, yeast, and water. Because of this minimalistic approach I’m expecting clean crisp flavors that stand on their own and play well with each other. This should be refreshing on a hot humid day.

The Hoppe pours a slightly hazy golden color with two fingers of frothy off-white head. There is plenty of lacing clinging to the glass to the very end while the head all but diminishes. A citrus aroma, with plenty of orange zest and grapefruit surrounds other aromas of grassy hops and some sweetness coming through from the malt. There is not much of a spice bite coming through given the hop-centric nature of this beer.

I was expecting the flavors to differ from the nose of the beer and provide some more of a hop bite, but surprisingly the bitterness is well contained. Citrus elements again come through with grapefruit and orange again taking up the majority of it. All of the flavors are surrounded by a pleasant sweetness from the malt, especially up front. Truly a great flavor from a beer that after reading the label seems minimalistic.

Southern Tier has kept with tradition and produced a truly outstanding beer. Hoppe attempts to be minimalistic but exceeds expectations. It may be minimalistic in ingredients but certainly not in flavor. If you are looking to get back to basics and enjoy a hoppy beer that won’t make you cringe, check this one out.

Overall: 8.5/10