On Tap: Evil Genius Hop King Imperial IPA

On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.

Our Recommendation: Hop King, Evil Genius Beer Company

Where: Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, 327 Lancaster Ave., Exton; (610) 363-0515

I stopped by Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria on a recent afternoon to check out their ever-expanding craft beer list, and ended up sitting down with third-generation Owner/Manager Jules Shortt over a beer.

The list on this afternoon was impressive. Several excellent craft beers such as Victory Brewing’s HopRanch, River Horse Hop-o-lot-amus, Thomas Hooker Hop Meadow IPA, Dogfish Head Hell Hound, Long Trail Limbo IPA and the sublime dessert beer, Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, were all on tap. Sam Adams Cold Snap, Stella Artois, Yuengling and Angry Orchard cider rounded out the list. All growler fills are $10, too!

rinos beer

Jules had recommended we sample the Hop King Imperial IPA by Evil Genius for several reasons, one of which was he had just tapped it. As he set down the beer, Jules explained, “These guys are local. Luke and Trevor went to Villanova, so you gotta love them.” I agreed. The Evil Genius guys frequently appear at local beer festivals, and it’s been awesome to watch them evolve as craft brewers.

Hop King is a limited single-batch release Imperial IPA, the first one released by the Evil Genius team. After a sip, Jules described it as having a “crisp, clean taste, not super-piney.” It’s a refreshing beer that can sneak up on you with the 8.1% ABV, but would definitely pair well with one of Rino’s Italian dishes such as seafood lasagna or their stuffed shells. Actually, Hop King would also go perfectly with Rino’s sought after wings. The hoppy flavor is a great reminder that spring is right around the corner, but hurry. Evil Genius Hop King won’t last long at Rino’s.

Also, as we sampled this delightful beer, Jules told me about the Rino’s Beer School which has grown in popularity since it debuted last year. The next session, which features Otter Creek Brewery, takes place Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. The price is $29.95. The night includes a 5-course dinner paired with 5 beers from this acclaimed Vermont brewery. You can sign up here.

Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria updates their tap list regularly, so check it out here. Or like their Facebook page to find out what’s new.