The Throwback Thursday review for today is D.C. Brau The Corruption IPA, which I originally reviewed in 2012. It is a smooth IPA with a hop bouquet that is fruity, floral, and piney. When I first reviewed this beer, DC Brau was one of the few craft breweries packaging their beer in cans. Cans or not, this is a great IPA.

On the back of the can is a fun fact U.S. history:

In 1824, Speaker of the House Henry Clay forged a coalition that secured the White House for John Quincy Adams. In return, Adams named Clay as his Secretary of State in what became known as: “The Corrupt Bargain”

Date Reviewed. May 11, 2012

Appearance. A brown-orange hazy hue with an off white head. The head retention is average and leaves a ring of lacing on the glass.

Aroma. Very pleasant hoppy bouquet with strong scents of pine, citrus, tropical fruit, flowers, and fresh cut flower stems. The malt aroma is malty and a little caramel-like, which enhances the fruity hop bouquet. It is a nice blend American hops.

Flavor. The hop flavors come through quite nicely in the beer. The citrus and fruity aromas continue in the taste of this beer. The beer is balanced with a mellow bitterness and a solid malt backbone. It has just a tinge of sweetness.

Mouthfeel. This is a medium bodied beer with a smooth texture that complements the less-harsh bitterness. The carbonation is at just the right level to almost make this beer have a creamy texture.

Overall. This is a very smooth IPA. As you drink it the bitterness is not harsh and actually quite smooth. The lingering hop flavor on your palette, however, has a black pepper spice quality. When you taste this beer it is actually hard to believe it is an 80 IBU beer because it is so smooth and not harsh.

Rating.

Aroma (25%): ███

Appearance (5%): ███

Flavor (40%): ███

Mouthfeel (10%): ███

Overall (20%): ███

Total: ███

Disclosure. D.C. Brau graciously provided samples of this beer (way back in 2012).