Unconvincing lighter bodied hefe lacks distinct banana-clove sweetness that softly fades away and gets sideswiped by an unexpected saison-like lemony grapefruit souring and salt-peppered (Belgian) yeast herbage.
All posts by John Fortunato
SHIP BOTTOM PLEASURE ISLAND IMPERIAL RYE IPA
Sunshiny yellow grapefruit tang gains brisk orange rind bittering above rye-dried pale malt backbone as bark-dried pine needling increases. Tertiary pineapple, peach and tangerine tones recede alongside recessive sugar spicing. Astonishingly well-hidden 11.4% ABV spikes raspy citric-pined delight hop-heads will highly regard.
(TRINITY) 45TH PARALLEL OREGON-STYLE IPA
Perfectly balanced Northwest tribute from Colorado maintains zesty tropical fruiting and light resinous pine bittering to its sugar-spiced pale malt bottom in flawlessly clean, crisp manner. Tangy yellow grapefruit, pineapple, peach, cherry and mango illusions seep thru sweet floral-wafted serenity of lively medium-to-full-bodied Beaver State salutation.
ELLICOTTVILLE PANTIUS DROPPUS IMPERIAL IPA
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Hoboken, hilariously sexually charged moniker somehow suits this ‘panties dropping’ high energy (10.6% ABV) strong ale. Its murky copper-dirtied hue will scare away lighter thirsts upon sight. However, well-balanced and enduringly fruity India Pale Ale hearkens to a syrupy malt-enriched Sangria-bound barleywine. Luxurious pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, honeydew, cherry, mango and tangerine tang sweetens alongside sugary pastry confection and above pungently resinous piney hop bittering. Undeniable.
CORONADO 19TH ANNIVERSARY INDIA PALE ALE
On tap at Amazing Grapes, captivating 19th Anniversary Imperial IPA unloads six hop varieties onto malt-heavy 9% ABV full body. Caramel-candied apple, bruised orange, lemon meringue, pink grapefruit, mango, pineapple, peach, cantaloupe, honeydew and melon melange absorbs dank pine resin, sweet spruce sugaring and plasticene clay quirk.
FIRESTONE WALKER LUPONIC DISTORTION
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Hoboken, approachable moderation tones down the grassy-hopped citrus pining its American-styled IPA profile promotes, yet still gains a refreshingly crisp gin-like juniper boozing and delicate herbal wisp to engage the lightly embittered yellow grapefruit, orange rind, pineapple and lemondrop illusions. Great clarity of flavor.
ANGRY ERIK HOP-N-AWE DOUBLE INDIA PALE ALE
On tap at River Of Beer, durable dry-hopped IPA (with latent 10.3% ABV surge) brings softly perfumed citrus spree to stinky piney hop resin above light sugar-spiced honeyed wheat backbone. Yellow grapefruit, pineapple and orange rind bittering contrast lesser apple, melon and berry illusions. Be prepared for ethyl alcohol ascension at briskly fruited finish.
ANGRY ERIK RAVOL
On tap at River Of Beer, pleasant soft-tongued moderation allows ‘malt-forward’ caramelization to affect dainty apple-skinned orange and tangerine tease as well as mild grassy hop astringency and dewy foliage. Mild phenol aridity nips at the wavered caramel-fruited finish.
ELYSIAN HUBRIS HUGE IPA
On tap at River Of Beer, mighty hop bomb gathers dry Chinook-Cascade-Centennial-hopped fruit zest, resinous pine dankness and pale wheat malting. Zesty lemon, grapefruit, orange and peach tang awakens subtle sugar-spiced sweetness to contrast ascending oily hop bitterness.
KUKA ALES FOR A.L.S. DOUBLE IPA (WITH EXPERIMENTAL HOPS)
On tap at Ambulance, “aggressive” Mosaic-hopped bittering provides zesty citrus tang for honey-spiced pale malt sweetness and mild buttery creaminess. Brisk yellow grapefruit, pineapple, orange, tangerine and mango illusions crest above dank earthen bottom.
(FISH TALE) CHRISTMAS VACATION FAMILY WAGON IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
“Holiday Road”-derived Vacation comedy inspired approachable Imperial IPA. Orange-bruised yellow grapefruit tang saddled by floral-daubed peach, nectarine, tangerine and cherry conflux above sugar-spiced marzipan malts. Cookie dough yeast sinew contrasts moderate pine hop bittering at syrupy fruit finish.
FINBACK / J. WAKEFIELD SMOOTH BEATS MIAMI COCONUT IPA
On tap at Ambulance, tropical pineapple-juiced toasted coconut sweetness reminiscent of Pina Colada cocktail. Soft-toned dessert smoothie gains mild lemon-limed yellow grapefruit tartness at mellowly creamed rum-spiced coconut water finish.