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Beer buzz: There's a hefty dose of honey in this double IPA

Although aggressively hopped, the Alpha Hive Double IPA from Oklahoma City is beautifully balanced.

Alpha Hive Double IPA

BREWERY: Coop Ale Works in Oklahoma City

STYLE: American Double/Imperial IPA. These IPAs are heavier on both the malt and IPA content, and have higher alcohol levels as well. Bitterness levels can vary greatly. Although they are more heavily hopped than regular IPAs, they aren't necessarily more bitter depending on how amped up their malt profiles are.

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THE PITCH: Although aggressively hopped, this delicious double IPA is beautifully balanced. The bitterness units tip the scales at over 100 IBUs (International Bittering Units), but a hefty dose of orange blossom honey takes the sting out of the hops astringency while leaving behind plenty of floral and citrus hops flavor. Tropical fruit and honeyed notes lend complexity and balance. A pleasantly bitter grapefruit rind flavor lingers long into the finish, leaving you eager for the next sip. The alcohol level is predictably high — 9.5 percent — but well hidden.

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FUN FACTS: New to North Texas this year, this spring seasonal is in such high demand that the brewery is currently finishing up a fifth batch.

SERVE IT/PAIR IT: It's delicious on its own, but would pair well with fried foods, poultry and seafood, especially mussels and other shellfish.

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GET SOME: Sold in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for about $10.99 at Central Market, Spec's, Whole Foods Market, Market Street. By Friday, it should also be at Total Wine and More.

Tina Danze