Highland Warrior Series | King MacAlpin Double IPA

Highland Brewing Company is going big. We’ve long known Highland to bring quality products to the market – solid, reliable, consistent. I will forever be a fan of their Black Mocha Stout – may I never know a day where it cannot be easily found. While staying true to the core, Head Brewer Hollie Stephenson is taking Highland Brewing Company to a whole new level and for someone who previously worked at Stone Brewing Company, we shouldn’t be surprised.

Cue the Warrior Series*. We will see the Warrior Series 4 times per year. Think high gravity, big beers, plenty of flavor and a lots of bang. First on deck, King MacAlpin Double IPA.

King MacAlpin was the first king of Scotland and given the heritage of this fine brewery, it’s no surprise that the first in the series gives a nod to the king. This beer clocks in at 10% ABV and 90 IBUs, brewed with 2-Row Pale, Caramel 40 and Carapils. Hops include Chinook, Amarillo, Simcoe and Centennial. On the nose there is a lot of fruit – pineapple and orange are strong as I draw the beer in. On the tongue the fruit theme continues at first but then dissipates into a a dryness that lingers for quite some time, a familiar resin is prevalent – it’s a wonderful mouth full of a hop bomb. This – is – a – great – beer. Well done Hollie.

Final Snobs: As far as Double IPAs go, this is an excellent one that certainly ranks high on this snob’s list. Currently with a mere 31 rankings it’s already clocking a 4.13 on UnTappd. My only regret about this beer is that I’m drinking it in the middle of the afternoon and whatever I drink next won’t be as good or as fun. Wish I had finished the evening with this beer!

Cheers!

*Future Warrior Series beer styles will include: a chocolate milk stout, a Scotch ale and a Belgian tripel.

**That’s a Pretentious Beer Glass Company glass in the photo. Check them out here.