West Coast Hop Wave is an 8% Double IPA from West Coast Brewing, based in Shizuoka, in Shizuoka, Japan. It’s part of their draft and canned lineup, though it’s unknown whether West Coast Hop Wave is a regular beer or a limited edition. West Coast Hop Wave is brewed using Southern Cross, Wakatu, and Simcoe hops.
West Coast Hop Wave Aroma and Taste
After a few hours drive to Woodsman Village in Tochigi, I wanted a cold beer and luckily I had packed West Coast Hop Wave for just the occasion – and also to film a TBT based on West Coast Brewing. To be fair, pretty much anything would have tasted great but I wanted something bold and brash, and got that with West Coast Hop Wave. It poured out a slightly hazy golden straw colour with a fluffy white head on top that clung to the side of the glass throughout drinking. Yes, that’s not the “official” BeerTengoku glass but I didn’t want to bring it just in case it got smashed. West Coast Hop Wave had a bold hop aroma coming off it – the typical lemon and grapefruit was present but also with some tropical notes coming off it – pineapple, mango, and a dash of lime going on too for good measure. Once it had warmed up, there was just a hint of alcohol heat and pilsner malt aroma but both were quite faint.
The bitterness was present from the get-go – not an offensive one by any means, but enough of one to let you know that you were drinking a double IPA. The hops though brought a smooth flavour of citrus fruits and some tropical ones too as mentioned in the nose and the pineapple and mango hung around for quite a while, leaving a slightly sticky residue on the palate. The lemon and lime were perhaps the most prominent during drinking, and lasted right through into the aftertaste. The booziness came through a little bit once West Coast Hop Wave had been given the chance to warm up, but it was still a good drinkable D-IPA.
West Coast Hop Wave The Bottom Line
While some Double IPA are harsh and abrasive, West Coast Hop Wave was a nice smooth one to drink.
Where to Buy West Coast Hop Wave
West Coast Hop Wave can be bought online at the following places:
