Issue #9: Slip On Some Clown Shoes

Clown Shoes has only been making beer for about three years now, but in that short time they have really churned out some phenomenal offerings. Hoppy Feet 1.5 was a special release for their first anniversary and my first experience with the Ipswich, Massachusetts brewer. It's an amped up version of their black IPA, Hoppy Feet, and it was enough to get me coming back for more.

Clown Shoes Hoppy Feet 1.5 - 10.00% ABV
Double Black IPA/American Black Ale
22oz Bomber
Bottled 2012

Appearance - Pours black with a thick, creamy beige head that fades to a soapy layer of froth.

Aroma - Smell is sweet. Chocolate and raisins but lots of hops too, grassy and citrusy, some grapefruit.

Taste - Sweet and hoppy, great balance but LOTS of both. Roasty, chocolatey, resinous, a bit of citrus and a touch of alcohol. Tastes like a Black and Tan using an imperial stout and an imperial IPA.

Mouthfeel - Good carbonation and fairly thick, sticky and a bit abrasive from the hops.

Overall - Wow, this is a fantastic beer and sets the bar for the style. This is my all time favorite black IPA. Such a perfect balance and done in a way that others have been unable to replicate. The amount of flavor is almost overwhelming. A truly remarkable brew. 5/5