Welcome to our first taste testing session! Today we’ll take a look at Sophistry 05 from Lupulin Brewing. Part of their limited series that explores hop flavors from the known to the ‘never have I ever’ heard of, Sophistry 05 is an unfiltered IPA with a bite that settles on the back and sides of the tongue. It features a nice rounded flavor from flaked oats and wheat but is a bit strong with the tropical citrus flavor. It pours a hazy amber, almost bordering on an orange marmalade color with about a finger of head. IBUs sit at 65 with an ABV of 7%, so a relatively easy drinker as long as your in the mood for citrus.

What hops did they pack in?  

Citra

Released in 2008, Citra was created by Joh I. Hass, Inc., Select Botanicals Group, and the Hop Breeding Company. Since then it has become a favorite among brewers as a high-impact aroma hop with a strong citrus profile. I’m sure we’ve all heard of this one 😉 

Ekuanot Cryo

Formally known as Equinox, Ekuanot was developed by Eugene G. Probasco and Jason Perrault from Hop Breeding Company and released commercially in 2014. It yields notes of tropical fruit, lemon, and lime, with some subtle herbal notes.   

Rakau

Also known as AlphaAroma, Rakau was developed in New Zealand and initially bread in the late 1970s. It was released under one name in 1983, re-released under a new name in 2007 and is currently being sold under its original name by Dutchess Hops of New York who planted it in 2013. Used for both bittering and aroma, Rakau has smooth apricot and pineapple notes. 

Galaxy

Known for its citrus, peach, and passionfruit aroma, Galaxy is an Australian breed descendant from the German variety, Perle. It was first commercially produced in 2009 and since then has become another favorite as both a standalone and when partnered with other hops. 

Falconer’s Flight

Out of all the hops, Falconer’s Flight is one I’d never heard of until sampling Sophistry 05. Turns out its a blend of Pacific Northwest hops including Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, Citra, Cluster, Columbus, Crystal and a few other varieties developed by Hopunion LLC. It holds both tropical and floral attributes with lemon and grapefruit noted.

Overall, this one was a bit tropical for me but I didn’t mind the flavor. I think I’d enjoy it more on a hot summer day rather than a cold, wet, Spring afternoon. 

Check out Lupulin Brewing Company and be sure to pick up a 6-pack or crowler from your local businesses. 

Cheers ~ Steph

Sources
https://learn.kegerator.com/ekuanot-hops/
“The Hops List, 265 Beer Hop Varieties From Around The World” Complied by Julian Healey