Anderson Valley 20th Anniversary Imperial IPA

Sample glass from the brewery. In the glass it is difficult to distinguish from the traditional IPA from Anderson Valley with their equally medium amber transparencies. Flavor is lacking the strong hops that I was expecting from my experiences with other imperial IPAs. Needless to say the hop flavors were overtaken by the earthiness of the whole beer, beginning to end. I still prefer their IPA over the imperial.

On tap at 515 in Santa Cruz. Pours deep copper with a thin light-khaki head. Aroma is herbal, resinous, and piney, with some caramel sweetness. Flavor starts out with a big maple syrup note that lingers throughout, partially dampening the hop influence. The finish is better with a nice herbal hoppiness that leaves a medium bitterness. Too sweet for my double IPA taste.

This was very enjoyable, and one of those occasions where you wish you had picked up more than one bottle. The aromas are just killer from this, with loads of citrus and grapefruit, and just a bit of floral perfume. Nice bready caramel maltiness, the sweetness definitely cuts through the bitterness, making for a really refreshing experience on the palate. Nicely done.

Bottle Compliments of our Beer pimp Brian. Enjoyed with the Hunter of the Holy Beer grail, Celticbrew, Uncle Steve and the king of Kolsch, Drbayern. Poured a light copper with a minimal head that left nice lacing around the glass. The aroma was floral and hoppy. The flavor was well balanced hops, and the mouthfeel was great! Slight citrus notes were also seen!

22 oz bottle from Market of Choice. Pours a dark amber with two inch off white head. Solid lacing. Aroma takes me back to the piney woods of yore, with a light biscuit and grapefruit backing. Flavor was thick with pine, citrus and caramel. Sweet finish, very pleasing to the tongue and refreshing when it’s still 85 degrees at almost midnight.

22 fl oz bottle. Pours clear and golden orange with a small yellowish head. Pinewood and grapefruity hops aroma. Sweet caramelish and mild hops flavoured, smooth hops flavours and nicely balanced. Sweet and hops fruity finish.

Poured from 22oz bomber, complents of Brian. Deep coppery hue, aroma of hops, grapefruits. Flavour was full bodied, malted hops with tropical hints make for a lovley impy.

Relatively strong bouqet of caramel, nougat, orange, lemon zest and pineapple. Clear amber, medium light yellow head, some lacing. Filmy mouthfeel, medium body. It tastes of pine needles in orange juice. Orange peel finish.