A taste of… Blue Point Hoptical Illusion

Blue Point Brewing Co. ‎
161 River Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772-3304
(631) 475-6944

Preface: This 12 oz. bottle of Blue Point Hoptical Illusion was purchased for $2.50(USD) at Peas & Pickles Grocery in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY. There was date number on the neck: “2819 R 09:28:7C”

The following notes are made after a mouth wash with room temperature sparkling water. These notes have not been influenced by reading promotional material or any other review of this brew.

I am including this preface to inform the reader of any and all circumstances that might be conceived of as creating a biased review or a conflict of interest regarding the choice of words used in the following review. I could go on and on with semi-legal jargon but I guess you will just have to trust me eh?
The following are my tasting notes:

Appearance: A crystal clear bronze colored brew has a healthy carbonation of tiny bubbles that form a thick, not too dense rocky head of sandy brown medium to small bubbles that tat a fair Belgian lace.

Aroma: The first impression is of fresh green herbs (marjoram and thyme). A second visit reveals some orange citric and roasted grains. A third deep visit (inhale deeply) yields more of the herbal aromas and less of the grain influence. The moment between lip and sip has a vital grassy sensation.

Mouth feel: It is hard to find the body of this beer because of the intense first flavor impressions. A second visit finds it svelte but not thin.

Flavor: As noted above, there is a real sensual wallop going on here. The first sip after the first impression has the receptors ready and waiting. The result is a barrage of various pings and spikes of the hop oils. The grain flavors that survive this close-air-support hops delivery can be found in the final flavor seeking aspiration.

Finish: The finish on this brew is long lasting. As noted above the final notes are left to the malt but just barely.

Comments: These folks have taken the hop obsession just to the edge. Any less malt and this would be a less appreciated beer. Any more hops and it would have been hard to comment favorably on.

Food & Beer: The high levels of hop flavors make this a fine “stinky” cheese beverage of choice.

The Brewery: http://www.bluepointbrewing.com/

What others say:

BeerAdvocate: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/764/20168

RateBeer: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/blue-point-hoptical-illusion/39047/