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Tue, 08 May 2007
3 hoppy brews - Saranac Imperial IPA (08:54)
In addition to their IPA, Saranac also offers an "Imperial IPA," with more and different hopping and a bit more ABV. Like the IPA, this brew is currently limited in distribution, although Saranac has given in and will brew it all year instead of occasionally. Unlike the IPA, this brew is for people who are into IPA, it's both very complex and moderately costly, about $9/six pack.On the pour
Clear, good head, complex aroma of assorted hops. The aroma is inviting, but you might not guess from that alone that it's an IPA. If it seems that I give good marks on appearance and aroma to everything, it's because I rarely bother to review anything I don't like, not because I don't occasionally get a murky beer. Actually one being reviewed in a week or so.
The taste
Unlike many "Imperial" brews, this one didn't come from just adding more hops and malts to the IPA recipe and standing back while it fermented. This is the most complex hopping I have ever tasted, and the flavor is such that people, including me, comment that it tastes slightly thick and smooth, like diluted honey. It's all in the taste, however, a pour will show that the viscosity is the same as any other ale, it just fools and pleases the palette.
This is one brew I would would strongly suggest should be served around 50F, as the best part of the flavor is muted (not lost) if you over chill. I personally drink this IPA like brandy, it's the last beer of the evening, and I sip it carefully rather than drink it down. While someone will probably chug a bottle from force of habit (back to Budweiser, heathen), this is a brew to savor after your thirst is quenched and you have whatever level of alcohol you desire in your system.
Feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you like it!