Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Fegley's Brew Works: Hop'solutely

by Mike Lorenz on Jun 27, 2011 in Beer
Fegley's Brew Works: Hop'solutely

Fegley’s Brew Works out of Allentown, PA has been serving the Lehigh Valley with craft beer since the opening of it’s first brewpub in 1998.  After going through many changes in their first decade, the company has come into focus in its recent history with wider distribution, a bottling facility and a roster of impressive brews.  In 2010 the brewery made a big splash with Hop’solutely, a big, bold, boozy triple IPA that has garnered quite a bit of attention.


Poured from a fresh 12oz bottle, Hop’solutely has a dark golden amber color with a thin white head.  A quick whiff of the beer’s nose lives up to the bold name given to this brew.  A bite of grapefruit citrus hits you first followed by a lot of candied malt scents. Each sip has a bold, chewy hop flavor that sits nicely in the middle of tons of malty sweetness, balancing out the hoppy bitterness.  As you work your way through the beer, there is a great warmth brought about by the high alcohol content, although in terms of flavor this isn’t a boozy alcohol bomb like many other high ABV beers.  Sweetness certainly lingers but is in no way unpleasant or cloying to my palette. Considering the high alcohol content and strong flavors I can’t imagine drinking more than one or two of these, but the brew does make a great nightcap or a fitting accompaniment to a strongly spiced meal.

Spending four years going to college and living in Bethlehem, PA (less than a mile from Fegley’s first brewpub), I am really happy to see the brewery opening up into bigger markets and offering some great brews to boot.  Visiting either of their Lehigh Valley brewpubs is a worthy weekend excursion for any craft beer enthusiast looking for a day trip.
 
Back to Hop’solutely - this beer is obviously for the hopheads out there. However, its malty backbone balances out the flavors enough to potentially entice those uninitiated to turn a new leaf.  Brew Works has been in Philadelphia a lot in the past few years, popping up at many events and can be found on tap or in bottles at lots of fine establishments dedicated to craft beer.
 
Related Articles:
 
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Best Oktoberfests, Festivals, Block Parties & Halloween Events to Celebrate Fall in Philly

Crisp weather and shorter days bring a variety of autumn events to Philadelphia. From yacht parties to haunted...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 15, 2024
Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

Bar Palmina: Inside Look at Fishtown's Newest No-Alcohol Bar

One of the hottest new cocktail spots to hit the Fishtown neighborhood serves cocktails with no alcohol at all...read more ›

by Drink Philly Sep 11, 2024
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close