Biodome VS The Big Payback
Everyone loves a good old fashion New York brawl, right? With an ever expanding beer scene in New York, it's almost impossible to NOT match up two beers from nearby breweries that are now seeing themselves rise to the top with their canned offerings. Although Greenpoint Beer & Ale has a few more years of experience, I feel confident of pitting an Interboro beer up against them.
The two beers in question: Bio Dome from Greenpoint versus The Big Payback from Interboro. The main reason I am pitting these two against one another is because they are literally minutes from each other and because they are both DIPA's. Throughout this process, I'll explore the similarities and nuances of both. Needless to say, I'm very excited since I've tried neither one of these before.
Right off the bat, I opened Bio Dome and knew that the aromas permeating from the glass meant that I was in for a treat. I've had other beers from Greenpoint and they were all slightly above average. Bio Dome, though, was right up my alley. The first thing that hit me upon trying this beer was pure IPA with a lot of pineapple in the forefront. It's a sweet IPA, and yet so approachable and drinkable that it is dangerous. Already, this is my favorite from Greenpoint and wouldn't mind having this many, many times. Do what I did and leave a post-it next to your glass to remind yourself that this is 8% ABV because it doesn't taste boozy at all. The sweetness of it hides it well. The mix of mango, melon, and pineapple take over for a very tropical experience.
Immediately, you can see a copper color to the beer, already indicating that this beer is definitely going to be different from Bio Dome. The nose on this beer is also different to Bio Dome. Instead of tropical fruits, you get an immediate whiff of pine and resin, but in a pleasant way. The taste and aromas both suggest hints of lime as well. The only similarities between this beer and Bio Dome are that they are both DIPA's and made in New York, and that's about it. It's a drinkable DIPA though and enjoyable in its own right.
VERDICT:
Honestly, both beers couldn't be more different. They both use completely different hops - Bio Dome features El Dorado and The Big Payback pulls out Centennial and Cascade. For what its worth, both beers fit two different types of profiles as far as drinkers might be concerned. If you like the juicier, more tropical vibe from a beer, you are better off with Bio Dome. If you like your flavors a bit more muted with a higher dependence on pine and lemon, you are good to go with The Big Payback. But unfortunately, there can be only one winner in the Hops & Horns ring.
- Greenpoint's Bio Dome: 4.25 / 5
- Interboro's The Big Payback: 3.75 / 5
I definitely enjoyed both beers, but I give the edge to Greenpoint in this round. Had it been any other beers from either one, this might have been much closer. Both beers have their merits and if you ever have the chance to try them, please do so. More importantly, visit both Greenpoint and Interboro and discover their fantastic beers. Salud!