A discussion of the 4PAX DIPA taste parameters is presented below. The DIPA taste parameters are essential elements in the overall grading process. The rating algorithm applies non-uniform weights to the individual DIPA taste parameters to differentially weight their relative affect on the overall DIPA “Tasteability”.
The members of 4PAX consider American Double IPA and Imperial IPA with a minimum of 7% ABV to qualify as a DIPA. Drinking a DIPA is easy and in most cases enjoyable. To rank, grade, classify, place, position, sort, group, arrange, mark, categorize, type, or conclude liking or disliking a DIPA is somewhat of an art form, although not extremely complicated. Here is a brief description of each of the DIPA taste parameters that 4PAX uses in its reviewing system:
Generally, we first pour 3 ounces into an IPA glass
and look at the Head, Color, and Particles; then smell the Hops and/or the Hints of Malt, Fruit, or something else (good luck); then take a sip and keep the DIPA in our mouth for between 5 and 15 seconds to determine the Body, the Carbonation, and the Finish; then take a gulp to identify Hoppiness, Bitterness, and Maltiness. We next analyze and grade each of the four categories (Appearance, Aroma, Mouthfeel/Taste, and Flavor on a 5-point scale, with 0.0 the lowest and 5.0 the highest.
NOTE: To maximize accuracy in analyzing each DIPA, the 4PAX will not taste the brew if they feel sick (cold, flu or sinus issues), or have eaten spicy or highly seasoned food immediately before grading. DIPAs are consumed at approximately 50 degrees temperature, and as mentioned above, are poured into an appropriate IPA glass. Using the appropriate IPA glass ensures the hop and malt aromas surface continually.
Appearance
In this category, the 4PAX evaluate how it looks holding the glass up to a light. The 4PAX are focused on the head (none, medium, or big), the color (light, amber, or dark), and the particles (none or cloudy). The DIPA’s appearance is an important factor to appreciate the brew but is not the main factor. Appearance does not always reflect enjoyability.
Aroma
The 4PAX have the most difficulty analyzing smell. Some DIPAs possess delicate aromas and others are primitive. The 4PAX determine if a DIPA is hoppy with hints of (malts, fruit, etc.). The 4PAX also look for failings in the brew’s smell such as skunk, sulfur, medicine, bleach, etc. It is also possible to smell unexpected good things such as a molasses, cotton candy, coffee, licorice, chili peppers, etc. The 4PAX adjust their gratefulness of the smell as they drink the beer.
Mouthfeel/Taste
Now, the 4PAX take their first sip. Their enjoyment focuses on the DIPA’s texture and general feel in the mouth. As the first mouthful enters the mouth and remains there for approximately 5 to 15 seconds, they judge the body’s consistency (none, light, medium, or heavy). Is the DIPA’s carbonation light, average, or heavy? Is the finish smooth, slightly bitter, or bitter? In sum for this ranking element, the 4PAX summarize the DIPAs “feel,” such as thick, thin, or oily, etc.
Flavor
In this element, the 4PAX judge the density or convolution of the DIPA. Has it got a mix of multiple flavors? Are the flavors harmonious or superficial? How powerful are those flavors? And how long does the flavor last?
In conclusion, every beer rating system seems to vary how to conduct a review and rate beers. The 4PAX uses their own system. This system places emphasize in the following order: Flavor, Mouthfeel/Taste, Aroma, and Appearance. A terrific DIPA doesn’t have to look great, it must taste great!
As craft beer gains market share and hence more drinkers and beer lovers like ourselves, there will be more people reviewing beer. Of important note is that the 4PAX review and rank ONLY DIPAs. The 4PAX do not confuse their pallets with a wide variety of beer styles. We simply desire to specialize in a unique segment of the explosive craft beer market.
There are currently over 120 unique styles of beer and thus it is extremely difficult for someone looking for just a DIPA to research “the best” available in their geographic area. The 4PAX wish to aid the person shopping for a DIPA, standing in front of a cooler with their Smartphone in hand looking for a recommendation. Seek out any “Must Try Before You Die” offering and you can’t go wrong. The 4PAX recommends that if a person gets serious about DIPAs, writing down tasting notes is the best way to remember what was sampled.