Mikkeller, Simcoe Single Hop IPA

Mikkeller's "Simcoe Single Hop IPA" is, "the first in a new series of single hop IPA's from Mikkeller." 

This beer rumbles up at 6.9%ABV and (a solid #!) IBU's.

Review:
This is not the first "simcoe single hop IPA" I've tasted. I believe that Bison Brewing Co. made one a year or two ago.  A home brewer I know also made a delicious example. Based on these two previous experiences, I was very excited to try this new beer.
The head was light, but acceptable and the aroma was very nice. In my experience, the Simcoe hop can lend a couple of characteristics to a beer depending on how it is used. The aroma can be "Piney or Woodsey" but can also smell like passion fruit. This beer definitely had more woodsey/citrusy notes in the nose. The flavor is a bit bready, but the balance leans toward bitterness with a stout amount of hopping. If  Mikkel or Kristian are visiting Hawaii and reading this blog, guys, tune down the caracrystal malts!

Overall Impression: A nice example of an American IPA. It is fun to taste the full expression of a hop and see what it has to offer. (If cloudiness bothers you, well, see the photo above.) However, I still think that it is a nice beer to sit, sip, and think about.

Grade:B+

(Bottle purchased at The Liquor Collection)