Beer of the Week: Billowing Waves, check it out at Everett beer fest

Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 18, 2016

Billowing Waves

Skookum Brewery, Arlington

Style: Double IPA

Stats: 8.3 percent ABV, 80 IBU

Available: On tap at the brewery and at this year’s Everett Craft Beer Festival

My thoughts: Skookum head brewer Hollis Wood is no stranger to double IPAs, so when he says that this DIPA is the favorite one that Skookum has produced, it makes one sit up and pay attention.

The genesis of Billowing Waves was a left over 11 pounds of Galaxy hops. Wood decided to marry them with some other aromatic hops like Mosaic and Citra hops to make this pillowy soft DIPA.

Overall, the beer belies its 8-plus ABV, with a full, rounded hop profile that is full of citrus and piney flavors. The bitterness doesn’t linger, making it an easy drinker.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say this is going to be a fan favorite and go quickly at Saturday’s Everett Craft Beer Festival. Skookum is also bringing its Three-Six-Oh Pale Ale and 5 gallons of a one-off beer, Pecan Pie Porter.

Here’s Wood, who always puts a lot of thought into what he calls his beers, on the name: “You can’t see aroma, but I imagine if you could you’d see waves and waves coming over the side of the glass.”

Another IPA that just went on tap at Skookum is Wood’s latest Single Malt and Single Hop (SMaSH) beer: Image of Objects.

Brewed with Mosaic hops and Talisman malt from Skagit Valley Malting, Image of Objects has a big fruity flavor up front (think: pineapple) and a nice dry finish that cleans off the palate. It’s a great IPA and a don’t miss. Wood said it’ll be on tap for two to three weeks.

From the brewery: A massive dank and juicy IPA brewed with Skagit Valley wheat and flaked rye. Hopped intensely with Mosaic, Citra and Galaxy hops. Waves of flavor and aroma.