Tasting Dark Elements Brew Co. EPITAPH IPA.

 

Tasting Dark Elements Brew Co. Epitaph IPA: A Zesty Journey Into the Hop Abyss

So, here I am, standing face-to-face with the much-anticipated Epitaph IPA from Dark Elements Brew Co.—a 6% ABV beer that promises to send your taste buds on a citrusy rollercoaster. A solid IPA with a twist of orange zest, and I, dear reader, am ready to dive in. What could possibly go wrong?

Spoiler: Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

First Impressions: The Drama Begins

As I crack open the can, there's an immediate whiff of citrus that could rival an entire fruit basket. It’s like someone handed me a zesty orange and said, “Go ahead, drink it!” It’s so orange-forward that it makes me wonder if I’m about to drink an IPA or an orange soda. But, of course, this is a Dark Elements brew, so I know there’s bound to be a little hop-packed drama waiting for me.

The beer pours with a rich amber hue, the kind of gold that screams “premium IPA,” and forms a creamy white head. My glass is basically giving me a silent nod of approval as I settle in to see what this brew’s got.

First Sip: A Blast of Zest

Now, let’s talk about the taste. The first sip is like walking through a citrus orchard during a heatwave—bold, bright, and a little bit aggressive in the best way. The orange zest hits immediately, with a freshness that feels like it just came off the peel. It’s tart, vibrant, and has that nice kick of bitterness you’d expect from a solid IPA.

But here's the kicker: Unlike some IPAs that feel like they’re trying to knock your taste buds out with an over-the-top hop punch, this one stays classy. It’s not just the bitterness that defines it; there’s a delightful balance of sweetness lurking underneath, making it feel like a well-constructed piece of hop art.

The Hop Symphony: More Than Just Citrus

I take another sip, and my palate starts to catch the nuances beyond the initial citrus punch. The hops are bold, of course—this is an IPA, after all—but they’re more like the backup singers, supporting the star of the show: the orange zest. There’s a subtle piney edge that peeks through, adding depth and complexity. It’s like the beer is whispering to me, “Yes, I’m juicy and zesty, but don’t forget, I’ve got hops in my DNA.”

The 6% ABV is just enough to give it a satisfying heft without sending me into "Is it too early to start napping?" territory. It’s the perfect amount of oomph to keep you engaged, but not enough to make you forget where you are (unless you’re like me and one IPA turns into five).

The Finish: A Citrus Reverie

As I reach the end of the glass (a sad moment, really), the finish is clean and crisp. The bitterness lingers just enough to remind you of the hops but is softened by the lingering citrus sweetness. It's like being gently escorted out of a party—you're a little sad to go, but you can’t deny it was a good time.

Final Thoughts: A Zesty IPA Triumph

Epitaph IPA from Dark Elements Brew Co. is a 6% citrus lover’s dream, packed with punchy orange zest that complements a well-balanced hop profile. It's not the most bitter IPA in the world, nor does it need to be. This beer is the kind of IPA you want to sip on a warm afternoon when you just want something bright, refreshing, and slightly mischievous.

So, if you're looking for an IPA that won’t leave you questioning your life choices but will have you pondering the meaning of citrus in the world of hops—Epitaph IPA might just be your next best friend.

Cheers to Dark Elements Brew Co. for creating a beer that brings both the hops and the zest. Would I buy it again? You bet I would. Would I recommend it to a friend? Of course. Would I share it with you? Maybe. Probably not. But that’s just because I’ve discovered the secret to happiness: One can of Epitaph IPA and a whole lot of citrus.