458. Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, NC) - Double Hi-Pitch

“This extra-large version of our flagship Hi-Pitch IPA gets seriously hopped with classic West Coast hops resulting in some eye-opening dank & citrusy aromas. Expect distinctive melon and grapefruit flavors to balance out the malt in this dangerously drinkable double IPA.”

Yeah, but the can says “Extra Hoppy and Tropical.” There’s a flavor you think of when you hear the word “hoppy,” and that flavor is not present here. I don’t taste a distinctive flavor of any kind, but that doesn’t make it bad. It leans toward the sweet and fruity, with just a touch of boozy dryness on the back end. They’re right about it being dangerously drinkable, though; and the price is right, too—at least at Stoney’s, over here on the east side. You hear all this shit about inflation and supply chains and Putin and whatever the fuck else since the world shit the bed two years ago—but this bad boy was $12.99 for a six-pack of tallboys at 9%. That works for me, even if they don’t know what the fuck they’re talking about.

319. Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, NC) - Hi-Pitch

“A balanced Western North Carolina IPA with bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Expect big grapefruit, tangerine and subtle melon flavors from the chorus of Mosaic & Centennial hops to balance out the malt in this dank & drinkable ale.”

Nothing really stands out here, either, except an echo of pine from the Mosaic and of that vague qualifier dank on the back end—and both of those mellow as it warms up, letting a little bit of citrus shine into the mix.

316. Hi-Wire Brewing (Asheville, NC) - Lo-Pitch

“This easy-drinking hazy IPA packs a bright citrus hop punch without all the bitterness. Juicy American hops and a light malt bill make Lo-Pitch the perfecft pairing for sandy shores, mountain tops, or backyard hangs.”

Starts off citrusy and dry, with a little bit of strone fruit as it warms up, and then fades into a soft echo of Fruity Pebbles on the back end. Oddly compelling for such a light, simple beer.