Beer Pick: Terrapin Hoptaneous Combustion

Terrapin Hoptaneous Combustion

Terrapin Beer Co., Athens

$9.99/ 22-ounce bottle; also available on draft at select beer bars.

Profile: Hoptaneous Combustion is the final release in Terrapin's Georgia Theater Sessions, a series of four limited-edition beers aimed at helping rebuild the historic Athens music venue that was gutted by fire in 2009.

This time, brewer Brian “Spike” Buckowski presents a playful take on the tragedy with a smoked double IPA. The hybrid style is different, to say the least. But the addition of Weyermann smoked malt creates some exciting aroma and flavor fractals with a blend of Warrior, Nugget, Centennial and Simcoe hops adding bright citrus and spicy notes to this strong (9.3 percent alcohol by volume), sticky brew.

Pair with: Spicy barbecue, Mexican mole, tacos al pastor or pasta with Amatriciana sauce would make good matches for big, bright, smoky Hoptaneous Combustion.