Name: Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken IPA
Brewery: 902 Brewing Company
Color: Hazy gold-amber
Nose: Hops, grapefruit, citrus, passion fruit
Taste: Hops, grapefruit (light), citrus
902 Brewing Company is located at 101 Pacific Ave, Jersey City, NJ and was established in 2012. I have seen 902 beers around and I have been wanting to try them for a while. When I saw the Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken IPA 4-pack, I had to give it a try since I live in Hoboken and I know what the title means.
Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken has a medium-heavy body with light grapefruit and citrus wood notes. The hops flavor is well balanced with the citrus and it has a slight bitter finish, but overall it is smooth drinker. The 6.5% abv has just the right kick to it without being too overpowering. I am noticing once an IPA goes over 7% abv it becomes hit or miss with the flavor profile as the alcohol can become overpowering.
The name of this beer is very interesting. It originates from General J. Pershing of the WWI American Expeditionary Forces who stated to his men “by Christmas you will be in Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken”. Heaven & Hell were reserved for those who died in battle. Those who lived, would head back to America via their departing port of Hoboken, New Jersey. Hoboken in the early 1900’s was predominately a German town with numerous German shipping companies. After WWI started the ships were seized and became Atlantic Ocean troop transporters. Hoboken later became an Italian town, but the remnants of the German styled architectural remain in various areas.
I was very impressed with this IPA. As I have noted in other reviews,I can tell who cares about the quality of the beer they brew vs those who are just getting product out. I recommend this IPA and I look forward to getting to the brewery in the near future.
If you like it, drink it! – Chris
If you like it, drink it!
