The Hop Limit: A Non-IPA Fan’s Run-In with Basic City 6th Anniversary

I’ll be the first to admit it: I usually steer clear of the "hop head" crowd. I prefer my beers to taste like malt, bread, or maybe a hint of fruit not like I’m chewing on a pine branch while someone sprays grapefruit zest into my eyes. But, in the spirit of trying new things, I recently cracked open a 6th Anniversary IPA from Basic City Beer Co.

It was an experience, though not necessarily one I’d like to repeat.

Score: 1.5

Location: Waynesbore, VA

The First Impression: Aromas You Can Hear

The moment the tab clicked, the scent hit me. It wasn't subtle. If you love the smell of a damp forest floor and industrial strength citrus, you’d be in heaven. For me, it was an immediate warning sign of the bitterness to come. The pour was beautiful clear and golden but the smell told my brain to prepare for impact.

The Taste: Maximum Hop Overload

I’ve had "balanced" IPAs before, but this was not one of them. This beer felt like a tribute to the hop plant in its most aggressive form.

• The Bitterness: It hits the back of your throat instantly and refuses to leave. It’s that lingering, resinous quality that makes your tongue feel a little fuzzy.

• The Flavor Profile: There are notes of pine and heavy citrus peel, but they are buried under such an intense floral bitterness that it’s hard to appreciate anything else.

• The Finish: Even five minutes after my last sip, I could still taste the hops. It’s a "long finish" in the same way a marathon is a "long walk."

The Verdict

If you are the type of person who thinks "the more hops, the better," you will probably think this is a masterpiece. It is unapologetic and bold.

However, as someone who doesn't enjoy the sensation of drinking liquid pine needles, this was easily one of my least favorite beers of the year. It’s well crafted for its style, but for those of us who prefer a smoother, maltier ride, Basic City 6 is a mountain too high to climb.