wohlstandstrotz -double neipa

Atelier Vrai not only provides us with delicious beers, it also provides food for thought and dystopian fantasies for free. Series after series, the Bamberg brewery releases creations whose titles and designs inspire us to reflect. The concept usually leans toward a futuristic, post-apocalyptic direction, hinting at the increasing decline of values and society. This is no different with its latest brew.

Wohlstandstrotz is a Double New England IPA that boasts a whopping 7.8% alcohol content and plenty to ponder. The title is a neologism that can be interpreted in many different ways. It could refer to defiance from a position of affluence, but it could also signify an act of rebellion against affluence. It could also represent a self-critical look at affluence and one’s own privilege.

Regardless of the meaning of its title, Wohlstandstrotz shines with pure hop power, which was conveyed into the beer through dry hopping. Bru-1, El Dorado, and Nelson Sauvin varieties were used, creating a flavor spectacle that brings tropical fruit, fine white wine, green pear, floral notes, resinous bitterness, gooseberry, and a hint of caramel to the tongue. The juicy fruitiness is accompanied by harmonious acidity and a soft honey sweetness. Three grain varieties contribute a stable base and create a velvety mouthfeel.