btree (13), New York, New York, USA May 4, 2008 this beer is hoppy but not overwhelmingly so for an imperial. a little extra maltiness lends it a complimentary sweetness that allows it to be very drinkable. weighty sweet and refreshing. they say it was a winter seasonal but i find it to be delicious in the summer as well.
BigBen2120 (564), Derry, New Hampshire, USA Oct 9, 2008 12oz can from a liquor store in northern Mass. Pours a hazy copper-red with a good half inch of light tan head that leaves a fair bit of nice lacing. Citrussy piney hops dominate the aroma, but not without a fair bit of caramel malt to add balance. Tastes like piney, citrussy, and grassy hops with just enough caramel toffee malt to give the beer some balance. Silky smooth mouthfeel, like few beers I’ve had, with ample carbonation helps make this sipper go down fast. Wow, what an awesome beer. Surely one of the best examples of the style. Practically perfect in every way. caesar (2573), Bunnik/Utrecht, Netherlands Oct 9, 2008 Tap @ brewpub. Hazy orange color, short off-white head. Dry hoppy taste, bit floral and fruity. Not in your face hoppiness. Grapefruit and pine. Good balance.
Canned: has a bad metallic taste to it. As I mentioned before: pa-lease do NOT put this stuff in a can. Its so much worse. Rating drops to 3.0 tomciccateri (467), Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Oct 7, 2008 12-ounce can in Albuquerque. Dense amber color with a tan head. Big hoppy aroma. Medium body, slightly sweet caramel, malty flavor with solid underlying hop bitterness. Late hop bitterness lingers on tongue. Great flavor combo. Nice late alcohol note. Impressive! clong83 (150), Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA Oct 7, 2008 Wow! Great beer. Big aroma of spicy hops and caramel sweets. Flavor is lots of spice from hops and a resiny texture, with loads of caramel malts. Bitter bite and hides the alcohol well. Great job. NobleSquirrel (686), Chicago, Illinois, USA Oct 6, 2008 Can from Discount Liquors. Finally found this one. Pour is reddish brown, a bit cloudy. Nose is hugely hoppy, pine, caramel, grapefruit. Smells straight sticky. Off yellow head that is in fact sticky. Creamy smooth body with a nice balance of caramel malt with a moderate bitterness. Some iced tea notes, not too sweet, clean bitterness. The more I drink it, the better it gets. Amazingly drinkable for 8.7%. It’s like a better version of Arrogant Bastard....
Awesome.
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