Inspired by the West Coast IPA's during a US trip in 2005, female brewer Hildegard set about creating a hoppy beer of her own; with a Belgian touch. The result was Urthel Hop It.
The beer is a pale orange gold colour, with a billowing white head. The nose is of mild spice, light summer fruits and sweet caramel, with earthy hop undertones.
The sweet grainy malts are tasted first, then giving in to the three Noble hops used. There is also citrus and some peppery spice. The beer finishes quite dry, with a lingering bitterness. The high carbonation aids in a light mouthfeel.
It is a well balanced beer; with the high 9.5% alcohol content remarkably well hidden.
Interesting brewery fact: The three core Urthel beers (Saisonniere, Hop It and Samaranth) are all produced in La Trappe's de Koningshoeven Brewery in The Netherlands, while Hildegard has a 150 litre microbrewery and tasting cafe in the town of Ruiselede where she experiments with new brews.
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by
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