Three Floyds Alpha King

Bottled. Pours a deep orange color with a rapidly dissipating, rocky, white head, which leaves a thin layer of lacing on the top. The aroma is almost completely dominated by floral American hops. The [possibly?] Centennial and/or Columbus hops give this beer a fantastic floral, citrus, apricot, and slight pine aroma. There is a faint malt-caramel aroma present as well, but, don’t let me fool yah, this beer is all about the humulus! The flavor is sweet up front. Citrus-hop flavors are ascendant -- grapefruit with orange zest and maybe a little lemon. The hops are supported with a strong troupe of malt character. A touch of caramel, toasted, and maybe a little nutty flavors give great play with the hops. Again, grapefruit is the dominant flavor. The beer is fairly well balanced, and has average alcohol feel. The brewer lists this is as a medium-bodied beer. Which is probably correct, but relative to other PA’s, this is most definitely full-bodied. The finish is quite bitter, but not overwhelmingly so. The aftertaste is quick, dry, and bitter with a bit of grassiness (perhaps from some dry-hopping). There are no perceptible flaws in this beer; as, the intense hopping simply won’t allow any, if they exist, to show through. Overall, I thought this was an intensely flavored beer with incredible body, but was surprisingly drinkable. The flavors and aroma are well organized. I can see how it might be a little too intense, in flavor/bitterness/alcohol/body, to drink all night for some, but I still consider it a session.