The RVA Mag crew had the chance to sit down and try out Starr Hill’s new beer, “Hopfetti”.
The RVA Mag crew had the chance to sit down and try out Starr Hill’s new beer, “Hopfetti”.
It’s a bold-punch-you-in-the-mouth triple IPA that the Charlottesville brewery created for its 16th anniversary.
I have to say I wish this beer was around at my Sweet 16. Things would’ve been a lot more fun.
The recipe was concocted from Starr Hill’s brewmaster Robbie O’Cain. Hopefetti is double dry-hopped and features six different varieties, including Amarillo, Apollo, Centennial, Equinox, Sorachi Ace and Triskel.
Triskel was a new one for us here at the mag. We’ve tasted some Starr Hill’s brews in the past such as their Whiter Shade Than White IPA and a few seasonal brews, but never one with Triskel I don’t think. So I did a little research.
Triskel is a cross between Strisselspalt and the male plant of the English hop variety Yeoman. It is a moderate alpha acid variety with low cohumulone, high in myrcene (60%). Its floral yet slightly fruitier. It’s normally used in Belgian-style Ales, Lager, IPA, Pale Ale, Pilsner, and brews. It’s great for late or dry hopping according to Castle Malting.
Enough with the scientific stuff, let’s get down to what it tastes like! To be clear, the beer said it paired best with “fancy blue cheese” and cake. Well we had no fancy blue cheese in the fridge and didn’t have any funfetti cake which would have been scrumptious, but we enjoyed it just the same!
Hopfetti is just as the headline describes-a party for your mouth. A party of hops that is. All of here loved the brew. It’s bold, super malty and flavorful. Our President John Reinhold thought the brew had a dark must to it. Editor-in-Chief Brad Kutner described it as an IPA with a kick.
THE ABV is no joke. Coming in at 10%, this bad boy is not for casual drinking, but it is good for a party or celebration. It’s got a strong after taste and the aromas hit you in the face before you even take your first sip.
Reinhold felt it was a little boozier than 10 percent and the crew concurred, but that was after we drank the whole thing. So you may have to get one and be the judge for yourself!
Starr Hill released it last month, but they’ve saved some of it for their Oktoberfest event Saturday Oct. 10 so get to the brewery and get ready for a hops explosion-in your mouth!
