When Hopworks Urban Brewery first announced its 2021 beer calendar (yes, a year ago!), the final beer in its “Ace” series of the year, Ace of Diamonds, was originally slated to be a black IPA. Somewhere along the course of the year, plans changed (didn’t they all, though?), and the final version of Ace of Diamonds ended up a west coast imperial IPA instead.

HUB had sent me a can of the beer to review, and you can read the original press release for it at that link, but the quick details are: Ace of Diamonds is 8.1% ABV with 100 IBUs, and the website description says:

This IIPA highlights two new experimental hops from our friends at Roy Farms (another great B Corp!). With citrusy grapefruit notes that give way to undertones of papaya, pinesap, and coconut balanced by a firm bitterness, this IIPA was crafted take you back to warmer months.

The hops listed are Ekuanot, Roy Farms EXP 218, and Roy Farms EXP 1624.

Appearance: Golden-orange honey color, unfiltered haze. Good off-white head, fine and lacy.

Smell: Candied grapefruit peel and a savory, herbal aroma I can’t quite put my finger on… turnip greens? With a touch of cannabis? Raspberry leaves (yes, leaves) and a bit of fresh hay.

Taste: Nice savory-spicy bitterness with an earthy, almost ashy note that’s big, bitter, herbal. Lots of citrus pith, and citrus oil fruitiness comes out as it warms. Savory greens that go a bit muddled in the bitter herb flavors; missing some of the fruit and malt richness I’d like in a west coast IIPA.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a lingering green bitterness, dry finish.

Overall: It was decent but not my favorite of the series.