The nose didnt blow me away but it had still good hop flavor and bittering.I liked this year that i noticed the honey presence unlike i did last year but then again my palate has changed,and i still have two bottles left, ha. I definatly would take a pliney over it,maybe and probably even a lagunitas. Its a great beer but i can think of a handfull of double ipa's i would go to sooner. Even 7- 9 %ers like Victory even some random brewerys Harvest ales.Maharaja definatly comes to mind as a "would go for first." I know im doing a this ones better thing,so for anyone if its the best beer they would ever try thats great,i just think its. I almost think i would just enjoy a 2 hearted really.