Joseph James Brewing Co. (Henderson, NV)
Hear ye, Hear ye! Calling all Hop Heads. Do you like big, resinous hop flavors backed buy a smooth malt character with a high gravity? Then this Hop Box Imperial IPA is for you.
Immediately upon cracking the can open, I was flooded with big hop aroma without even getting my nose up close. Coming in at 88 IBU’s and pouring a medium golden color with copper hues, topped off with a big white head, the aroma really stood up and announced itself. As I held my nose over the glass and began to waft in all the hoppy goodness, I was greeted with aromas of pine, citrus, grapefruit and even honeydew melon. I was a tad concerned that this would taste like a big booze bomb from the high alcohol percentage of 9.3% but this ale is surprisingly smooth. I do not detect any alcohol heat whatsoever.
The malt structure is simple yet satisfying. Subtly sweet, almost as if a touch of honey was added to the brew which helps combat the onslaught of hoppiness. The hop flavors stand out more than bitterness largely due to bucketfuls of dry hops added during the secondary fermentation stage. Hop Box finishes fairly clean with slight lingering bitterness that is always welcomed with my palette. In regards to food pairing, I think this would pair extremely well with a Cajun Spiced Sirloin Burger topped with blue cheese, onion straws and a garlic aioli sauce or with smoked Alaskan Salmon with a side of garlic and herb long grain wild rice.
It may be safe to say that this is one of the biggest beers to come out of Sin City. Had I known that this brewery existed upon previous trips to Las Vegas, I would have gone out of my way for their product and would have gladly paid the high Las Vegas prices instead of having to settle with a sub par beer or a poorly made mixed drink. I will definitely seek out their other offerings and suggest you do the same. Cheers!
Joseph James Brewing Co.
155 N. Gibson Rd.
Henderson, Nevada 89014
| Phone | (702) 454-2739 (BREW) |
| info@foxbrews.com |
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-James-Brewing-Co-Inc/156301200364
Other Offerings:
Fox Tail – Gluten Free Ale
Craft American – Lager
Weize Guy – Hefeweizen
Citra Rye – Pale Ale
Hop Box – Imperial IPA
Red Fox – Russian Imperial Stout
Craft Beer Explorer 