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I did a personal IPA taste testing this week, and Anderson Valley's Hop Ottin' IPA was the clear cut winner - at least for what my pallet prefers in an IPA.
The hops, while obviously noticeable as the style demands, was extremely well integrated into the ale, creating a very pleasant and enjoyable alternative to what is typically an over-hopped style that leads to single note obnoxiousness in the nose and on the pallet.
Typical American IPA's are reflective of the brash and raw nature of what the brewers think of this style. They tend to remind me of the incredibly over-oak chardonnay's that came out of California over the past two decades. An overall lack of finesse and layering permeate this beer style, particularly in the US, but the Hop Ottin' went against the typical brutish and raw offerings and provided detail, ambience and style.
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