Wee know the dilemma: you need a place to meet up with your friends and grab something to eat but you prefer a brewery with craft beer. The only problem, not all of them love the brewery scene and the only place that can be agreed on, is a chain restaurant that has something for everyone. Getting a good craft beer in such a situation is near impossible, but you don’t want to settle for an AB InBev macro or an import. Well, most likely just down the street from you is BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and their heavy-hitter, the Committed Double IPA.
It’s been a staple on their menu for a while, but does it stand up to scrutiny? Wee stopped in to test it out for research, yeah that’s right, research!
The Committed Double IPA
- Brewery: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
- Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
- ABV: 8.6%
- IBU: 95
Appearance & Aroma
When the Committed Double IPA arrives at the table, it has a beautiful, clear, deep amber to copper color. It’s not one of those modern, hazy DIPAs; this is a classic, West Coast-style beast.
On the nose, it’s assertive. You get a massive hit of citrus (grapefruit is definitely the dominant player here) along with some pronounced piney notes and a distinct earthy undertone. It lets you know immediately that it’s not messing around.
The Moment of Craft Beer Truth
Let’s be clear, at 95 IBU, this beer is aggressively bitter.
BJ’s Committed is true to its name, it demands commitment. The first sip is a wave of pine resin and citrus pith bitterness. However, because it’s a double IPA, that bitterness is balanced by a surprisingly solid malt backbone. There is a definite sweetness up front, caramel notes that try to tame the hop monster, before it dries out into a long, biting finish.
It is absolutely “smooth” for 8.6% ABV, but it’s not a session beer. It’s dense, flavorful, and intense.
The Verdict on BJ’s DIPA
Is it the best DIPA on the market? No. You can certainly find more nuanced, aromatic DIPAs at local craft breweries like Black Raven or Post Doc or many others. Did it stand up to our research? Yes, it is definitely worth having if you find yourself at BJ’s meeting with friends.
BJ’s Committed is an excellent chain-restaurant DIPA. It’s reliable, it’s punchy, and it stands up perfectly to their heavy pizzas or a rack of ribs.
WeeBeers on Untapped: a solid 3.5 caps for Hopheads who need a fix while waiting for a Triple Chocolate Pizookie.
What’s your favorite go-to beer at BJ’s? Let us know in the comments below!
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
