I’ll admit up front that not only have I been drinking and enjoying beers from Southern Tier for many years, I’ve also been a frequent purchaser of 2XIPA for decades. If that’s not enough fun, I’ve also featured founder Phin Demink on our weekly live craft beer radio show more than a few times…so yes I really like Southern Tier beers.
With that in mind, I was excited to get an opportunity to sample the new Southern Tier 2X Factor Double IPA Mixed Pack and as Southern Tier puts it, “Combining Southern Tier’s relentless pursuit for over- the-top flavor with its passionate approach to craft beverage, The 2X Factor will be launched with three new Double IPAs, all with bold, new artwork under The 2X Factor banner including a reenergized look for 2XIPA. To celebrate the launch, Southern Tier will kick-off a campaign encouraging fans to “Find Your 2X Factor.” The campaign will connect with fans on social media, commemorate The 2X Factor banner illustrated on packaging with a custom-made felt banner created by fellow Western New York manufacturer Oxford Pennant, and partner with influencers who themselves have the 2X Factor.”
The pack features the original 2XIPA as well as 2XHAZE, 2XCITRUS and 2XPERIMENTAL and each one brings a unique spin to the variety pack and to your palate as well. Of course I can’t wait to try them, so off we go…
Southern Tier 2XIPA
ABV: 8.2%Style: DIPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Clear golden
Aroma: Oranges, citrus, tangerine and grapefruit
Mouthfeel: Medium slightly boozy
Taste: Fruit-forward, bright citrus, grassy hops and grapefruit rind
Overall: 2XIPA is a classic DIPA I’ve been enjoying for years. The combination for fresh fruit-forward hops with a resinous grapefruit rind finish makes for a really drinkable beer, even at 8.2%-AbV.
Southern Tier 2XHAZE
ABV: 8.2%
Style: DIPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Cloudy golden
Aroma: Citrus and tropical fruits
Mouthfeel: Medium & a bit boozy
Taste: Citrus and fruit-forward hops
Overall: 2XHAZE has a really enjoyable combination of great hop flavors that make for a really drinkable DIPA. As I’ve mentioned previously, the beer feels boozy but the complexity of hops on board make for a fun drinking experience and a flavorful beer.
Southern Tier 2XCITRUS
ABV: 8.2%
Style: DIPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Golden and a bit brass colored
Aroma: Citrus, Grapefruit, oranges and subtle lemon
Mouthfeel: Medium and boozy
Taste: Oranges, grapefruit, lemon and tropical fruits
Overall: 2XCitrus is made for lovers of citrus-forward hoppy stronger beers, and I found a lot of things to love in the beer. This seemed to me to be the most approachable beer in the pack (with 2XIPA a close second), and the varieties and flavors coming from the hops were first class.
Southern Tier 2XPERIMENTAL
ABV: 8.2%Style: DIPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Golden orange
Aroma: Dank, resinous and earthy pine
Mouthfeel: Medium and boozy
Taste: Resinous and dank sticky hops with a mix of unique hop varieties and flavors.
Overall: This beer just screams west coast-style dank and resinous IPA. The mix of fresh citrus with dank resinous pine make for a classic DIPA and the complexity of the beer and hops will make you want to sip again and again.
The Southern Tier 2X Factor Double IPA Mixed Pack is a really unique variety pack and a great way to enjoy some great beers from Southern Tier, especially if you love a good DIPA. I personally can’t wait to see what they have coming next, but be sure to try this for yourself…and when you do try it (and you will) be sure to let us know what YOU think.
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