“In medicine, an elixir is a sweetened and aromatic hydro-alcoholic(water and alcohol) liquid containing an active medicine.”

Or so it says on the side of this can of Hopothecary Ales flagship double IPA. Beer does make most things better. But, again, I am not a doctor. But I am a lover of beer and it usually brightens the dark corners in life. This IPA is definitely bright! Not just in the golden hazy color but in the luminous sweetness. It’s aroma is sweet tropical fruits, dank hops, and I swear…I’m getting something floral. Like a peony or a hyacinth. The first sip is more tropical fruit like pineapple or tangerine with a slight bitterness and alcohol on the finish. With low carbonation and medium body it’s got high drinkability and leaves a hoppy coating in my mouth.

The Sonic Pairing: In my humble opinion Pearl Jam’s MTV Unplugged performance may be the network’s finest moment. The band was in that in between period of poking up it’s head just above the underground and full blown rock star status in the stratosphere. They were firing on all cylinders and, despite being “Unplugged”, this show is more electric than some of their full on electric performances. They are able to take the dark subject matter of their lyrics and bring a brightness and energy to the songs through the acoustic setting. An “Evenflow” of this Elixir will make you feel “Alive”. And that’s what good medicine is supposed to do.

All beers featured in the Pike Sonic Beer Blog can be found at Wachusett Wine And Spirits in West Boylston and Worcester.