A good mid-day craft beer excursion is best when trying something I haven’t had before, like Science Box by Single Hill Brewing. It’s even better when paired with classic pub fare from a great local restaurant like Redmond’s Bar and Grill (RBG) in downtown Redmond. It was an easy decision to go with Science Box as it included the promise of modern hop chemistry, a beer I’d never checked in on Untappd, and a brewery we need to schedule time to visit in Yakima WA.
The RBG Laboratory Setup: Burger, Fries, and Haze
You can’t properly evaluate a Pacific Northwest hazy IPA on an empty stomach. To set the baseline for the experiment, I ordered a classic burger and a side of crispy fries and settled in to watch a bit of the Mariner’s game, during which I caught a sasquatch roaming across the screen.
Single Hill Brewing is known for taking a science-first, hop-forward approach to their brewing while operating in the heart of the world’s hop capital. Science Box is a DDH (Double Dry Hopped) Hazy IPA clocking in at 7% ABV. This specific batch features Krush, Sabro, and Azacca hops.
On paper, that combination is formulated to deliver a massive explosion of tropical fruit, potent berries, and bright citrus.
The Experience of Science Box from Single Hill Brewing
When the pint arrived at the table, its beautiful, pillowy, opaque orange color with a solid white head made for an appealing presentation. Lifting the glass, I was hit with a wave of tropical fruit, a hint of coconut, ripe mango, and zesty citrus. The first sip brought the juicy tropical flavors home that paired nicely with the salty savory fries. While the initial fruit profile is fantastic, the finish carries a bit of a sharp, pithy hop burn that lingers a little too long on the back of the throat but overall, it is a well-executed Hazy IPA.
Wee Verdict of Science Box from Single Hill Brewing
There is no denying that Single Hill Brewing knows how to handle Yakima hops and is a brewery we want to visit in the future. The aroma and upfront fruit complexity of Science Box are absolutely top-tier. However, because that hop bite on the back end was just a little too aggressive for a casual lunch crusher, it only registered 3.25 caps on Untappd for me.
Science Box is a solid, respectable pint that cuts through the richness of a pub burger nicely, but a slightly smoother finish would have easily pushed it into the 4-cap category. If you love a hazy with a bit of a scientific kick and a distinct hop punch, definitely give this one a spin next time you see it on draft.
Until the next pint,
WeeBeers Cheers!
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.
