Silver City WhoopPass Double IPA

[Tim Nichols]

Unless you live in the Seattle area you probably cannot get this beer. I'm not singing the praises of this beer to say, "Nah-nah-nah-nah-naahhh", but every beer lover should visit the Northwest at least once. When you make the pilgrimage out here this is one beer you should drink while you're here, and pack another one in your suitcase to take home. Silver City started out as a little brewpub in Silverdale, WA, and almost never sent their kegs out, but won a bunch of medals at various brew fests; GABF among them. Now they have expanded their production, and publicans in Seattle are finally able to get these excellent beers. My only regret with the double IPA is that it does not come in cans (think about for a second, then get back to me). Although if you drink several of these, you might prefer a can of WhoopPass being opened up on you. At 8.5% ABV this beer is big, and with 50 pounds of Washington State hops (Cascades and Columbus) per 15 barrel batch, it's big n' hoppy! The WhoopPass isn't all hops and booze though. It has a nice butterscotch malt to give the beer balance, and a fairly dry finish, so the hops don't wear out their welcome on your palate. Next time you're in Washington, look me up, and we'll go get some WhoopPass! Tim Nichols