Today for Thirsty Throwback Thursday, we have Modus Hoperandi IPA by Ska Brewing, which I had originally reviewed in 2012. This beer, however, is still in production and by the looks of check-ins on Untappd, still delicious!

Date Reviewed. May 1, 2012

Serving Size. 12 oz. can.

Aroma. The hop bouquet has a piney resinous quality coupled with a grapefruit and tropical fruit. It also has a bit of a floral quality. The malt aroma is a clean grainy bisquity aroma. The combination of aromas has a nice balance and is quite invited. 4.5

Appearance. Crystal clear dark orange, redwood brown color with an eggnog color head with an average head retention. The foamy head leaves a thin lacing on the glass. 4.5

Flavor. A nice malty profile without having a cloying sweetness. The bitterness is smooth and balanced against the malt backbone. It does build over getting strong as you drink it and has a slightly earthy and fresh cracked pepper quality to it. The flavor reveals more notes of roasted malt along with the pine quality from the hops. It almost has a vanilla or cream soda quality. 4.5

Mouthfeel. Smooth mouthfeel with a slightly creamy quality. The hop quality is a bit prickly. 4.0

Overall. This is a fully flavored IPA with plenty of hop and malt flavor. Although it has complexity, it is also surprisingly refreshing. Very well crafted. 4.5

Rating.

Aroma (25%): ███
Appearance (5%): ███
Flavor (40%): ███
Mouthfeel (10%): ███
Overall (20%): ███
Total: ███

Disclosure: Ska Brewing graciously provided a free sample of this beer, I think.