Tuppers Hop Pocket Ale

Other than one beer that comes close, a glass of Rocket #5 I once had at the Bear Republic Brewery in Healdsburg, CA -- I have to say Tuppers Hop Pocket Ale is the finest hopped IPA I have ever tasted. I am fortunate to ride my bike past Old Dominion Brewing often, on the Washington and Old Dominion Bike Trail (W&OD) , and am able to stop for the cask conditioned version, as well as purchase it in bottles at local supermarkets. And, evenbetter than the oftquoted beer maxim-- ’Think global buy local,’ its owners actually give half their profits to homeless. How many other beers do that? Excellent beer. And, I’ve been to Belgium several times.

For me, Tuppers is the definition of what an American Pale Ale should be. The aroma is bold and inviting with the perfect level of bitterness providing a unique flavor and after taste. I discovered this gem in the late 90s when I lived in Annapolis. A dear friend living in Herndon, introduced me to the bottled version then taking me to the brewery. Every where I travel, I look for it, but am sad to report, with little success. I now reside in South Florida, love Tuppers cant get it but make it a point to to have a few when in the DC area.

This is a very strongly hopped beer. It will destroy your palate until you've finished half a bottle. The finish is very long with strong pine notes. That said, it's my favorite day-to-day beer but it definitely takes some getting used to.

delish. very good pale ale, fairly bitter with all the hops. The Ale has a good color and no after taste to speak of- drink one after two after three.

This is what makes beer beer. Clean, crisp, and entirely enjoyable. If you want something sweet, make Kool-aid. If you want beer, check this out. The best beer I’ve ever had.

A fantastic IPA. Tremendous floral hops aroma and terrific taste. I only wish it was more widespread. I live outside the US and have had problems getting my local market to special order a couple of cases.

Great aroma...flowery. Amazing flavor, great hops bitterness... Nice Brussel's Lace. If I had to drink only one type of beer for the rest of my life...this would be it.

Vintage: 16-October-2002
Hazy orange in colour with brown, amber & ruby highlights with a fairly large dense off-white head. Simply the best looking American Pale I've ever seen! Smells of grapefruit, citrus & piney hops, and a bit of malt. Once again, the nicest aroma I've ever smelt from an American Pale. Bright citrus taste with mellow hops (this beer has age ~11 months) as well as the perfect balance of malt. Aftertaste bittered from the hops, but sweetened from the citrus characteristics. I've said it before, and i'll say it again: this is one of the best beers I've ever had, and the best American Pale in my book. Search out and find this one, or contact me and I'll send some to you. I bought this 12 ounce bottle at Giant Foods in Manassas, Virginia and sampled it on 30-August-2003. Rating for this tasting: 10,5,9,4,18.

Hazy crimson colour, hoppy-citrusey smell. Very hoppy/bitter taste. The hoppiest beer i've had to date, and since i'm a hop-freak and from Virginia, it is my second favourite beer of all-time! This is probably the thirtieth time i've had this beer, and it keeps getting better and better!