The Bar Towel

My wife and I were at Sin and Redemption last night and I had an Urthel Hop-it. It was fabulous. Nice and hoppy, although at 9% alcohol, you can't have too many.

Loved this beer.

It claims to be the first Belgium style IPA. Makes me want to try more of this style.

Has anybody else had this one, and are there other places downtown where I might get a pint?

Swordsman wrote:It claims to be the first Belgium style IPA. Makes me want to try more of this style.

At the LCBO, the Exclusive Belgian Ales Gift Pack / $17.35 (out now) has a good Belgian IPA, Piraat.

Not from Belgium, but i quite enjoy Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA whenever I cross the border.

phirleh wrote:

Swordsman wrote:a good Belgian IPA, Piraat.

I have tried this a few times, and never thought it had much "ipa-ness" to it. Still a decent enough beer, just didn't live up to its billing for me.

markaberrant wrote:

phirleh wrote:

Swordsman wrote:a good Belgian IPA, Piraat.

I have tried this a few times, and never thought it had much "ipa-ness" to it. Still a decent enough beer, just didn't live up to its billing for me.

I tried Piraat this past summer without knowing what style it was. 'Belgian IPA' never really crossed my mind. The fresh Duvel I had in Beligum seemed hoppier than Piraat. Still a really tasty beer, just didn't seem IPA-ish.

phirleh wrote:

Swordsman wrote:It claims to be the first Belgium style IPA. Makes me want to try more of this style.

a good Belgian IPA, Piraat.

Arrrr matey, that pack be priced right at 15 ducats. Har!

Swordsman wrote: Makes me want to try more of this style.

I haven't been here for ages so it might not still be available, but the Bier Markt at King & Portland has Gouden Carolus Hopsinjoor. Like all their bottles it's served way too cold. But it's worth checking out.

As for where else you can get the Urthel Hop-It on tap, the only place I can think of off the top of my head where I have had it other than Sin & Redemption is Volo.

If you're into cross-(provincial) border shopping, Charlevoix Dominus Vobiscum Lupulus (your neighbourhood beer shop) is the best of the style that I've tried. And Chouffe Houblon (SAQ) is pretty fantastic as well.

Like others who have commented above, I've never really thought of Piraat as a Belgian IPA - especially since it predates the first use of that term by quite a few years. But then again, Belgian IPA is such a new and ill-defined "style" that I guess you could retcon in some older beers if you'd like.

Anyway - while it won't able available anywhere around Toronto (except for perhaps at Volo for the next couple of days, if there is any left), I have to say that I really enjoyed the Taps Belgian IPA that was on for Cask Days. Had just the right balance of tropical fruit, herbal hops, and a bit of spiciness.

I would rather drink a De Ranke XX Bitter if I want a belgian IPA, but still haven't tried Hopsinjoor, for some reason it does not make it's way out west (the other GC beers do).

I've had Hop-It on tap at Beerbistro a few times. I think it is usually there since they don't seem to change their taps too often.

I've also have had it at Smokeless Joe's and Volo, though neither has it all the time.

Swordsman wrote:
Loved this beer.

It claims to be the first Belgium style IPA. Makes me want to try more of this style.

The original Belgian "IPA"

d'Achouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Tripel

http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/chouffe-ho ... pel/56757/

We'll be tapping the Urthel very soon at Chancey's for all of your South-Western Ontario beer geeks (and frankly anybody else who would like to come and hang out).

Plenty more to come... Cheers.

GregClow wrote:Anyway - while it won't able available anywhere around Toronto (except for perhaps at Volo for the next couple of days, if there is any left), I have to say that I really enjoyed the Taps Belgian IPA that was on for Cask Days. Had just the right balance of tropical fruit, herbal hops, and a bit of spiciness.

a friend dropped by with a growler of this from the pub the other day, very enjoyable beer.

pootz wrote:The original Belgian "IPA"

d'Achouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Tripel

Great beer when fresh, but unfortunately bottles are not date stamped. And it is downright awful when skunked thanks to the stupid green bottles. So I don't bother buying it anymore, especially given the price, though I will gladly sample it when someone else provides a bottle!