Beer Reviews: Epic Small Batch Series "Rad Dad" and RoHa Brewer Select Mustache Mercury 

• Mike Riedel

The "small batch" series in a brewery's portfolio can take on different designations from brewery to brewery, but they're vital in driving innovation, while also keeping beer nerds happy, as we're constantly screaming, "What have you done for me lately?" Here are two of the "small batches" available this week.

Epic - Small Batch Series (Rad Dad): Brewed for Father's Day, this is a beer that makes its intentions known from the moment it's poured. A beautiful, non-filtered, mostly-clear burnished copper fills the glass, crowned by a thin, ivory-colored head that leaves intricate lacing with every sip. The aroma is a powerful and unapologetic homage to the West Coast style, bursting forth with an intense wave of zesty, bitter orange peel and a hint of sticky pine resin and tropical fruits. It's the scent of a classic, amplified.

On the palate, this Triple IPA is a masterclass in balance and power. That initial orange peel character dominates the first taste, sharp and invigorating. But it doesn't stand alone. A formidable malt profile immediately steps up to the plate, providing a sturdy backbone of toasted bread and deep caramel sweetness. This malt structure is crucial, expertly supporting the colossal hop load and the weighty 10.0 percent ABV. Just as you settle into that classic citrus-and-caramel dynamic, the flavor profile makes a brilliant tropical shift. The orange gracefully transitions into notes of juicy pineapple and the unique sweet-tart character of guava, adding a modern, exotic twist.

Verdict: Perhaps its most impressive achievement is its sheer drinkability. The alcohol is so well-hidden, it's almost deceptive; there's a pleasant, deep warmth, but with none of the boozy heat one might expect. The finish is long, resinous and satisfyingly bitter, drying the palate and demanding another taste. This is a powerhouse of a beer, a true "TrIPA" that celebrates its style with complexity and immense flavor, proving that big can still be beautiful and balanced.

RoHa - Brewer Select (Mustache Mercury): Pouring an unfiltered, deep gold into the glass with a sturdy, off-white head, this double IPA immediately signals its hoppy intentions. The aroma is an intriguing departure from the usual tropical fruit bomb. Instead, it leads with a pronounced herbal quality, like fresh-cut grass and a sprig of mint, mingling with a zesty, pithy citrus character reminiscent of grapefruit peel and lime. Underlying this is a distinct vegetal note—not unpleasant, but a green, garden-like snap that adds a unique layer of complexity.

The first sip confirms the beer is unapologetically hop-forward. That bright citrus hits the palate first before giving way to the assertive herbal and green pepper core. Just as the profile verges on becoming sharp, a surprising wave of soft berry notes—think subtle raspberry and blackberry—emerges to provide balance and a touch of sweetness. The experience is backed by a pleasant, near-dank resinous quality that ties all the elements together, grounding the brighter notes.

Verdict: For a beer packing this much hop character, it's remarkably well-integrated. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a crisp, clean finish. It definitely "dials in" at DIPA strength, offering a satisfying 8.1 percent warmth without any harsh alcoholic bite. The finish is long, bitter and resinous, leaving a lingering echo of pine and citrus peel. This is a thinking person's DIPA, a brew for those who appreciate a walk on the wild, green side of the style. It's a bold and rewarding pint for the adventurous hop-head.

Of course, when you come across a small-batch or limited-release label, you should expect that these may be disappearing soon. If you want to ensure that you're in the "cool kids club," act now, not later. As always, cheers!