Upper Pass Beer Company--Waimea Waves Double IPA

Upper Pass is a brewer in a tiny Vermont town. They make great stuff and can’t supply demand with their 5-barrel system, so their popular IPAs are contract brewed at the Von Trapp Brewery (yes, you Sound of Music fans, that Von Trapp). Von Trapp specializes in traditional lagers, so they have plenty of time to rent their space for the brewing of good beers.

The can sports a beautiful blue and yellow wave pattern. The name is curious for a landlocked Vermont brewer, but I’ll roll with it.
It’s a double IPA, clocking in at 8% and 70 IBUs.
It pours fairly clear and golden for a Vermont IPA. The bubbly white head dissipates rather quickly leaving little lacing.

The nose is pure heaven—tropical fruits galore.
The taste left me slightly disappointed, having a sweeter, maltier presence. The fruit notes still battled through. I like Upper Pass’ other IPAs a little more than this one.
The mouthfeel is a little thin.
3.5/5

Held against the spring sun, it’s a gorgeous beer.