O’so Brewing Company- Hopdinger: OH-SO Ok

After a discussion with Wes the other night, we realized that we more than likely have brews that have gone out of date or gone bad because they’ve sat too long.  I have beers from back in May/June that are still sitting on the shelf and more than likely will have to dispose of them and not in a good way.  So I’m going to try and knock out a few of these older brews and keep my fingers crossed that they’re still good.  I decided to revisit the brew pile that was brought to me by my friends Tracy & Adam from a trip they took this past July.  I keep the beer cellared so hopefully it’s all good.  This review is of Plover, Wisconsin’s own O’so Brewing Company’s Hopdinger.  Will it be oh-so-good or not??

O’so Brewing Company classifies this brew as a Pale Ale and their website briefly describes Hopdinger as, “This pale ale is generously hopped yet balanced through the use of Munich and Crystal malts. Hops added after fermentation gives this American classic an intense aromatic bouquet. Enjoy!”

Hopdinger pours a hazy golden orange color with a 2” off-white head.  The aroma is a combo of danky/earthy/citrusy hop scents with a faint fruit smell in the background.

One thing strikes me with Hopdinger, Journeyman.  This brew invokes thoughts of your traditional NBA Journeyman player that you’ll find bouncing from team to team but always getting work and always proving to be a valuable asset.  Hopdinger is not good enough to make a 5 man starting roster in the league but it is good enough to help that team get into the playoffs.  For a pale ale its hop bite is more equivalent to that of an IPA and it has a very earthy finish.  I get little to no malt sweetness with Hopdinger which you would usually see me applauding but it tastes unbalanced.  I’d have to say that Hopdinger is “Ok” at best and worth a shot if you come across a six pack at your local craft beer dispensary.

ABV: 5.4%

Consumed: Highland Brewing Co Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy A Six Pack