Take a good look at the hop cone on the can. It has been hung with red baubles and golden stars, a pile of presents sits at its feet, and it glows like a proper Christmas tree. The beer inside plays along: Fanø Bryghus swapped the tinsel for juicy citrus and tropical fruit.
Expert description of Fanø Bryghus Hoppin' Around the Christmas Tree Double India Pale Ale Beer
Hoppin' Around the Christmas Tree is a Double India Pale Ale from Fanø Bryghus, or Double IPA as the can puts it. The brewery sits in Nordby on the island of Fanø, has been brewing since 2009 and works across a wide range of styles. This one comes in at 7.8% ABV in a 44 cl can, and the hops get most of the room.
The hop list is long: Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, Idaho 7 Hyper Boost, Citra Cryo, Nectaron and Galaxy. A mix like that typically delivers citrus, ripe tropical fruit and a juicy edge. Underneath sits a malt bill of Pale Ale, Golden Promise and wheat malt, and rolled oats go into the brew for a softer, rounder body. It is fermented with ale yeast, so top fermentation.
This is a Christmas beer without spices or cinnamon, just hops, malt, oats and yeast. The brewery says the soft malt character balances an intense hop profile, and that the beer is meant for raising a glass with family and friends before you take a spin around the Christmas tree. The artwork on the can is by Olivia Linn.
Tasting notes
Aroma
Juicy citrus and tropical stone fruit come first, think orange, mango and ripe peach. The hops fill the whole glass, and behind them you catch a soft malt base.
Taste
Citrus and tropical fruit carry on across the palate, while a soft, malty base takes the edge off the hops without stealing their spotlight. The oats add something round and slightly silky. Intense hops, but balanced, so the beer feels full rather than sharp.
Finish
The hops linger for a good while as the soft malt rounds things off. The finish is full and gentle rather than harsh.
Specifications
Name: Fanø Bryghus Hoppin' Around the Christmas Tree
Brewery: Fanø Bryghus
Country/Region: Denmark, Fanø
Beer style: Double India Pale Ale
ABV: 7.8%
Size: 44 CL
Hops: Mosaic, Mosaic Cryo, Idaho 7 Hyper Boost, Citra Cryo, Nectaron, Galaxy
Malt: Pale Ale, Golden Promise, wheat malt
Fermentation: Top fermentation
Ingredients: Water, barley malt, wheat malt, oats, hops, yeast
Allergens: Barley, wheat and oats, contains gluten
Best before date: 30.09.2027
EAN no.: 5704250002887
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled at 6 to 8 degrees in a tulip glass or IPA glass
Flavour profile
Hoppy · Citrusy · Tropical · Malty · Soft
Did you know?
The can is marked as a product from Nationalpark Vadehavet, and the Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fanø sits right on the Wadden Sea.
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