I finally had a chance to taste 16 Grit, the new über-hopped double IPA from Surly. Before I get to the tasting notes, let me just throw out a couple of caveats to asuage the ire of the legions of Surly fans out there. First, this beer is exactly what it claims to be. Second, I don’t tend to like that kind of beer.

I have never been a big fan of over-hopped, super-grapefruit, American double IPAs. I have often voiced my hope that last year’s hop shortage would curtail the just-add-more-hops ethos of American craft brewing. I like balance and these beers are not about balance. There are a couple that I find to be brilliant beers. Russian River’s Pliny the Elder is a prime example. But what makes them brilliant is their ability to showcase an amazing citrus hop character while balancing it with a solid and flavorful malt backbone. Okay, so now you know my bias.

16 Grit
Surly Brewing Company
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Style: Double IPA
Serving Style: Draft

Aroma: All grapefruit citrus hop with a hint of grainy malt in the background.
Appearance: Deep golden to light copper. Clear. Fluffy and persistent white head. Lace on the glass.
Flavor: Huge grapefruit citrus hop character and very bitter. Decidedly tilted toward hops. The light grainy malt background is barely enough to support, although it did become more prominent as the beer warmed. Some light stone-fruit flavors. Remarkably well attenuated for 10% ABV, giving a dry finish that is all about hops. Unfortunately that attenuation also thinned out the malt character. Alcohol is well hidden (but it will kick your a**.)
Mouthfeel: Medium-high carbonation that emphasizes the bitterness. High attenuation gives it a medium body, light for such a big beer. Bitterness is astringent.
Overall Impression: While this did improve as it warmed and the malt became more pronounced, I found this to be a bit thin and over-hopped. As stated above, I want more balance. Astringent bitterness is also off putting, but then it is called 16 Grit. I will say that the beer hits the mark that it aims for. I, however, would not likely order another.