Opinion: Are most American craft beers too hoppy?

eworden78 · 05-14-2008, 01:52 AM

I love opening a good fresh hoppy IPA and it's floral bouquet. The sharp and spicy bitterness is a thrill to my taste buds and nose.

But when you drink some of the great beers of Europe the hops although distinguished are often understated and subtle.

If you drink a Stone, Bert Grant, Mendocino, Sierra Nevada, or a Rogue river beer their flagship beers unabashedly kick your ass with copious quantities of Hops.

On the other hand you go with any of the great Belgian Trappists, the famous German breweries like Ayinger and even many of the great English Ales have a more subtle hoppiness.

My question is: Have American craft brewers gone to far with hops?

JSN · 05-14-2008, 02:13 AM

alot of the time yes. 2 big time examples that are way overboard are the sierra nevada IPA and good old sam boston lager. both of them are pretty shit beers buyt meh whatever still like infinity times better than bud i guess.

eworden78 · 05-14-2008, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSN

alot of the time yes. 2 big time examples that are way overboard are the sierra nevada IPA and good old sam boston lager. both of them are pretty shit beers buyt meh whatever still like infinity times better than bud i guess.

Funny I actually don't find Sam Adams all that hoppy. Sierra Nevada is definitely one I would include in the really hoppy category.

What brought this to mind is talking with people who aren't all that familiar with quality beer. I often hear "I don't like dark beers, they are too bitter." I think for beer noobies they identify the spiciness of hops as "bitter". I just had a Westmalle Trippel last night and was thinking how there was nothing that could be considered bitter or harsh, just a pure smooth goodness, yet still complex and exciting.

JoelThomas · 05-14-2008, 03:32 AM

Yes. No idea why, but yes.

VikingRage · 05-14-2008, 04:40 AM

I guess its for beer drinkers who really want that taste at the end, where as Coors light etc is for people who either want to get drunk or don't like the taste of beer. Everyone has their preference , I enjoy some Sam Adams here and there, but I like Weiss beer the most.

WARserra · 05-14-2008, 08:12 AM

I agree with JSN in that I find Boston Lager very hoppy.

Maybe American breweries are just getting lazy.

w0cyru01 · 05-14-2008, 08:45 AM

IPA's are hoppy anyway
get something else if you don't want hoppy

FirstScratch · 05-14-2008, 10:45 AM

I would agree most American craft beers focus on a strong hops flavor. It seems that most beer connoisseurs have become fixated on the pungency of the hops, and not necessarily how it contributes to the overall experience. Personally, I think alot of the American craft beers are contradicting, from a taste standpoint.

Throatpoker · 05-14-2008, 11:06 AM

I wish I could taste all those top quality international brands, lol, I have to settle with Miller light and Bud.

**Sonny** · 05-14-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eworden78

Funny I actually don't find Sam Adams all that hoppy. Sierra Nevada is definitely one I would include in the really hoppy category.

Same here. Although the only Sam Adams we have here in Canada is the Boston Lager. I see those Sam Adams commercials where they list off all the different types. I wish I could try some more of them.

As far as enjoying the finish of a beer I definitely like it, but some brews go way overboard. Most people love Grolsch but i just can't get around that last bit of bite. It's the only beer that makes me smile and frown in one sip.