Smuttynose Big A IPA

Big A IPA
Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Portsmouth, NH (USA)
9.60% ABV

C. Slightly Hazy
H. Dark Orange/Light Amber in Color
N. Hops, Hops and More Hops. Citus, Floral, Piney, and Some Honey Notes

El Guapo; Damn, I have a hard time reviewing some IPA's... unless they stand out like my favorites (Maharaja, Hopslam, CCB Humidor, Pliny, Gubna, etc), they tend to be hard for me to really describe... sure they are hop forward, but what else?
anyways, I don't remember much about this beer, but according to my notes I thought the nose was a bit boozy and a little sweet. Of course hops dominated with some citrusy and lemony notes to it... maybe a little grassy. The beer was hoppy but still balanced by some sweetness. It wasn't anything special... It did not stand out and I have no clue what else to say about this beer. I think I am kind of picky with my IPA's and double IPA's. I know what I want and many don't impress me anymore. Oh well, I've been spoiled by some amazing IPA's I guess...
Score: 3

The Ferm; First I will ask the question, what is the deal with the guy wearing underwear on this bottle? Anyone else get mildly turned off by this? Like when your shopping for beer and looking for something new, you would be like "ohh hey look a man in underwear on a bottle...lets buy this one!" I have talked about Smuttynose's labels before and how I thought they all looked like Stone Temple Pilot Album Covers. This one is just odd.
The beer inside was good, but not great. It seemed like a straight forward IPA, there was a nice hop presence with a solid malt backing. The 9.6% ABV was hidden well in this one though....maybe that's what the guy is smuggling in his underwear...(sorry that was bad, and I will even admit it). Thing is with IPA's its really show up big or go home. Average just won't cut it. I think it is time for Big A to go home and put some pants on.
Score: 2.60

Overall: 2.8