(Label from beerpulse.com)
Rhizing Bines marks the 3rd beer in the “Life & Limb” collaboration series between Dogfish Head Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing. The first two Life & Limb beers were Belgian Strong Dark Ales using syrups from Sam Calagione’s tree farms and ingredients from Sierra Nevada’s on-site farms. This time, they’ve decided to brew an IPA.
Keeping with the tradition of using interesting ingredients and techniques, they’ve combined a lot of different aspects from each brewery and coast. In honor of Sierra Nevada’s new North Carolina brewery, the beer is brewed with a Carolina heirloom wheat variety that was milled locally. They’re also using a new, experimental hop variety designated Hop 644. Additionally, they’re employing Dogfish Head’s continual hopping system and Sierra Nevada’s dry-hop torpedo system. To top it off, the name continues to symbolize the growing relationship between these two breweries. Hops are a rhizome that grows into bines (the proper botanical name, not vines).
Appearance: Gold/Orange with off white head. Great retention. The beer is very clear and bright.
Aroma: Hop spice and sweetness. A bit of hop dankness. Woodsy/grassy hop aromas with a slight citrus undertone. Nice, delicate malty notes.
Taste: Sweetish with a nice “wheat lightness” to the palate. Super balanced. It finishes with a mossy hop kiss.
Overall Impression: People were expecting this to be the hop bomb of all hop bombs. Instead, it’s a exceptionally well crafted and balanced beer. The 70 IBUs are integrated into the beer nicely so as to allow a place for the wheat to make an appearance in the flavor profile. It’s a bit pricey, but split it with a friend and enjoy this collaboration.
Availability: In markets where Dogfish Head beers are available (this year, the beer was brewed in Milton, DE and distributed via Dogfish Head’s network).
8% ABV