Tap Handle #767: Milwaukee Brewing - Hop Freak Double IPA

Tap size:  13.25"

Rarity:  tap retired

Mounting:  3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

What an awesome tap this is! I bought this directly from the brewery's web store, I believe it was some time in 2016. The base looks like a steel post wrapped in hops, with a circular brim at the top, bearing a decal that reads "That's local flavor". At the bottom of the tap is a large nut with the "MKE" label on it. Although the front and back appear similar, there are subtle differences that warranted taking a full range of photos. I also included photos of the base and topper separately; put together, they slightly exceed a whopping 13.25" tall. There were two interchangeable toppers (which were sold separately) that screwed into that base: a large sign covered in hops that resembles a nut and has a label on it (see photo to right), and this Hop Freak topper, which was an easy choice to select when buying only one version, due to the "hop monster" that holds a glass of beer above a sign with the beer's name. Opting for the Hop Freak version proved to be a good choice: by 2017 it was sold out, and to my knowledge did not reappear for sale on the brewery's site. This tap does occasionally appear on the secondary market, but the going rate is close to $200 and I haven't seen one in about 2 years. The version with the other topper usually sells for $60-$80, and the base by itself (with no toppers) commands about $50. Both the base by itself and the base with the alternate topper did pop up for sale earlier this year. All versions are no longer in production.

For more about Milwaukee Brewing, see this post.

Click through to read more about Milwaukee Brewing's Hop Freak Double IPA and to see more photos of this monstrous tap...

A year round release that is part of their Herb-in Legend series of adventure brews, Milwaukee Brewing's Hop Freak Double IPA is a collaboration with Milwaukee’s Rishi Tea. This IPA is infused with organic jasmine tea, lending it a sweet, floral aroma. Strong citrus notes come from a generous amount of American hops. Hop Freak was born big and bitter but a subtle malt bill adds balance to this beast.

Ratebeer:  3.49 out of 5

Beer Advocate:  85 out of 100 (very good)