Lost in the Hops: My Honest Take on Virginia Beer Co.’s Flagship

As someone who generally prefers a crisp pilsner or a malty amber ale, I usually approach IPAs with a healthy dose of skepticism. I know, I know IPAs are the darlings of the craft beer world. But for me, the "hop bomb" experience often feels like a chore rather than a treat.

Despite my reservations, I decided to give Free Verse a try. It’s a flagship for a reason, right? Here is my honest take from the perspective of someone who doesn't typically enjoy the style.

Score: 1.8

Location: Williamsburg, VA

The Pour and Aroma

Visually, it looks the part. It pours a hazy, golden straw color with a decent head. The aroma hits you immediately it’s a massive wave of tropical fruit and pine. If you love the smell of a citrus grove in the middle of a pine forest, you’ll be in heaven. For me, it was a bit overwhelming before I even took a sip.

The Taste Profile

The brewery describes this as a "tropical" and "juicy" IPA. While I can certainly taste the notes of grapefruit and pineapple, they are quickly sidelined by a sharp, lingering bitterness.

• The "Juicy" Factor: There is a brief moment of fruitiness on the front end.

• The Finish: This is where they lost me. The bitterness is aggressive and sticks to the back of the throat long after the swallow.

• Mouthfeel: It has a medium body, but the carbonation felt a bit harsh combined with the hop profile.

The Verdict

I can see why IPA aficionados enjoy this. It’s bold, technically well-made, and hits all the notes a hop head looks for. However, if you are like me and prefer a balanced beer where the hops don't drown out the malt, Free Verse might be a struggle.

It’s a "one and done" for me I spent more time trying to wash away the bitterness than enjoying the tropical flavors.

Bottom Line: If you aren't already a fan of the "hazy" or "juicy" IPA trend, this likely won't be the beer that converts you.