Ninkasi Tricerahops Double IPA
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Tasting Notes
Tricerahops leads with an assertive hop character — expect resinous pine, citrus peel, and hints of tropical fruit on the nose. The malt backbone is substantial enough to balance the bitterness without calling attention to itself, lending a slightly caramel sweetness that keeps the palate grounded. Body is full and chewy in the way that double IPAs tend to be, with enough weight to carry the aggressive hopping. The finish is long and bitter, drying out toward the end with lingering resin.
About the Brewery
Ninkasi Brewing Company is based in Eugene, Oregon, and was founded in 2006. Named after the Sumerian goddess of fermentation, the brewery built its reputation on hop-forward West Coast ales and has grown into one of the more prominent craft producers in the Pacific Northwest. Their lineup leans heavily into IPA territory, and Tricerahops has long been one of their flagship offerings.
Food Pairings
The resinous bitterness and citrus punch here cut through rich, fatty foods particularly well — a burger with sharp cheddar works because the hops scrub away the fat between bites. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes find a counterpart in the malt sweetness, which tempers heat without going sweet. Aged or hard cheeses like an extra-sharp cheddar or Manchego hold their own against the bold bitterness. Grilled sausages with caramelized onions also pair naturally, as the malt character mirrors the char and sweetness on the plate.
Style Guide
American Double IPA — sometimes called Imperial IPA — takes the hop-forward character of a standard American IPA and amplifies it across every dimension: more hops, more malt to balance them, and a higher ABV typically ranging from 7.5% to 10%. The style emerged from American craft brewing in the late 1990s and early 2000s, pioneered by breweries like Russian River and Stone. What separates it from a standard IPA is the intensity — bitterness is higher, aroma is more saturated, and the malt presence is more pronounced — while still keeping the focus firmly on hops rather than the boozy weight that defines a barleywine.