To see the first Double IPA challenge, click here.

The Judges: Myself, Ryan Turner, Chad Meindl (@chadmeindl), and Phil Harrel

The Competitors: Stone 16^th Anniversary IPA, Firestone Walker Double Jack, and Three Floyd’s Dreadnaught

The Rules:

Each of the judges were asked to pick their favorites brew based solely on personal preference. Each judge ranked the beers in order 1-3 and then points were assigned in reverse order based on the rating (e.g. 3 points for favorite beer). Here is the blinded lineup:

Double IPA Blinded Lineup

The Results:

1. Three Floyd’s Dreadnaught – 9 Points

2. Stone 16^th Anniversary IPA – 8 Points

3. Firestone Walker Double Jack – 7 Points

Personal Reaction:

We learned based on how close the results were that you probably should include a minimum 4 competitors to try and create a greater distinction from best to worst.

My top two were Dreadnaught and 16^th Anniversary.  In the end, I wasn’t too high on the lemon citrus of the 16^th Anniversary.  The Double Jack had banana notes that gave it this really odd starchy sweetness that turned me off.  This was actually my first Dreadnaught and I have to say, Three Floyd’s knows how to do hoppy beers well. 

Based on the first round, we will have to have a Round 3 face off of the top competitors.  Stone Ruination, Three Floyd’s Dreadnaught, Bells Hopslam, and…

Who should the fourth and fifth competitors be?