Review: Pyramid Thunderhead IPA

Author: Jason Harris
September 3, 2010

Readers of this website know that I’m an IPA nut.  India Pale Ale is by far one of my favorite classes of beer, because of it’s tempting color, bold hop flavor, and smooth finish.

In that spirit, it’s time to conclude the batch of Pyramid brew reviews by checking out Thunderhead India Pale Ale.  As may have already seen, we’ve already checked out Pyramid’s Haywire Hefeweizen and Curve Ball Blonde Ale.

Looking at Thunderhead, this is a bold hoppy IPA.  The reddish-pale color makes you think this IPA might have a light flavor.  The beer has a gravity of 16.7, is 6.7% in alcohol and has an IBU rating of 67.

At my first sip, this beer has a moderate punch with it’s hoppy bitterness.  It won’t knock you off your stool like Hopyard Dog IPA from Pale Horse – and has more of a malt balance than some hop-heavy IPAs, but Thunderhead is flavorful. The aftertaste is pleasant and dissipates quickly.

I would recommend Thunderhead to those new to IPAs as it is a good middle-of-the-road IPA that any beer nut would love to sample.