Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%)
This article is based on a past tasting experience, updated in June 2025.
What you will learn
Features of DD4D Brewing x 2nd Story Ale Works’ “German Cold IPA”
A detailed flavor profile
Recommended ways to enjoy it
ホップくん
Let me give you an expert breakdown of the hop profile of this beer!
りほくん
Got it! Let me break down this beer’s characteristics in simple terms…
ルネちゃん
Wow, this sounds like such an interesting beer! I can’t wait to hear about the flavor!
DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) Here’s my review! A collaboration between two beloved Shikoku (四国) breweries — I just had to try it!
Haze reminiscent of a sour beer. A whitish, translucent white.
Aroma
Orthonasal Aroma
Moderate dry hop presence? No grassiness, so perhaps restrained?
The yeast stands out (perhaps from unexpected chemical reactions?). A strongly acidic aroma. Reminiscent of lambic — like Caesar dressing. Luxurious.
Retronasal Flavor
Retronasally, the moment it hits the palate, noble German hop character unfolds with a subtle lambic-like depth of acidity, and an elegant lager-like aroma rushes in. Within the German character, there are clear nuances of melon and ripe orange.
Taste
Mouthfeel
Gentle. Clearly beer — not wheat or oats — yet still gentle. Water chemistry perhaps? Not cloying at all. The hop presence isn’t aggressive either.
Body and Texture
Even on the tongue it’s not aggressive, but gradually the elegance of noble hops spreads across the palate.
A slight acidity that might be lambic-like? Some aged hops mixed in? Or heavy on yeast? Seems quite green for that.
The Swallow
Acidity and bitterness combine with melon-like notes for a luxurious finish. It doesn’t have 2nd SAW’s typical citrus-forward profile, but that’s the nature of a collab (a bit sad as a 2nd SAW fan).
Aftertaste
You’d think the bittering is mild, but the aftertaste carries a solid, persistent green apple-like bitterness that never becomes overbearing.
Dregs
Acidity and a living yeast character. The yeast seems quite vigorous — an aroma like freshly activated yeast.
Overall Impression
A Cold IPA that deeply respects German brewing tradition. The yeast and malt are well-controlled, with noble hop elegance present alongside beautifully expressed fruity notes with a slight American twist. This Cold IPA powerfully delivers the message of what German hops can be! Absolutely outstanding! I hope more Cold IPAs like this appear so we can appreciate hops from many perspectives! DD4D Brewing x 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — end of review!
Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — FAQ
Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — What does it taste like?
Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) is a Cold IPA style beer. Please see the full article for a detailed review of the taste, aroma, and appearance.
Craft Beer Review: DD4D Brewing × 2nd Story Ale Works / German Cold IPA(German Cold IPA 8.0%) — Where can I buy it?
It may be available at specialty craft beer shops or online stores. If hard to find, check out Recommended Craft Beers for other great options.
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