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Description:
This beer, a long time fan-favorite in our taproom, and one of our first ever “seasonals” when we opened the doors, is a beautifully balanced Double IPA. Simcoe and Amarillo hops play well in a malt bill similar to our West Sixth IPA, bringing balance, bitterness, a touch of sweetness, and a juicy citrus and floral hop profile.
The beer is named after Lexington artist Sarah Heller, who was one of the initial artists present in the Bread Box Studio Artists space next to West Sixth Brewing. She was instrumental in the launching of the brewery, and designed and built a giant mural on the side of the brewery made from recycled building and bicycle parts and dripping paint. (Description provided by company)
Brewer:
Beer Style:
ABV:
9.50% ABV
Availability Frequency:
Summer
Containers Available:
draft
can
Locations Where Available:
Kentucky
Ohio
Store/Serve Temperature:
close to 60 degrees F
Comments
An Unexpected Home Run
A cloudy pale golden amber with a full finger of head. The head sticks around for quite a while (although it thins to about a half finger), but the beer never really clears up.
As you should expect from Double IPA, the nose is hops and more hops, along with some biscuity malt and a hint of alcohol. Also, hops.
Despite the massive hop nose, the hop flavors (although strong) are well balanced and the bitterness isn't as stupidly aggressive as I feared. Some sharp and aggressive herbal flavors and some more citrus-y and melon flavors give a nice roundness to the hops, while the bready malt gives a hint of sweetness. Also, the little bit of alcohol in the finish keeps the aftertaste relatively tame.
A nicely full and round body, and the long lasting head gives a nice bit of creaminess for the first half of the glass.
Although I was expecting a hop bomb, West Sixth Heller Heaven is nicely balanced and flavorful, while still exhibiting the strong hop flavors that you would want from a double IPA.