Imperial IPA

British and North American Ales

The Lords of the Ales: A Powerful Onslaught of Ales from the Two Towers of North America and Great Britain

Imperial IPAs (also known as Double IPAs) are distinguished by their prominent hop cone aromas and flavors, and bitterness that is intense and assertive. Colors range from deep gold to deep amber. These intense hop characteristics should be balanced by a rich malt backbone, mid-to-high levels notes and fruity esters. They are medium-to-full bodied in weight and notes of astringency and hop haze are accepted. Depending on the varieties of hops being used, the drinker can experience a wide range of hop flavors including tart citrus peels, pepper and earthy pine-like notes. Imperial IPAs have an ABV between 7.5 and 10.5 percent. These ales represent an extreme use of the hop flower in brewing and a challenge to the brewer in terms of balance and drinkability.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range	Quality Band
96-100 points	Platinum
90-95 points	Gold
85-90 points	Silver
80-84 points	Bronze
Less than 80	Not Recommended

Legend

= Brewpub
ABV = Alcohol by volume
Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

90 I2PA Imperial India Pale Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 9.5% ABV (3/11)
Jasmine chamomile tea, thyme honey, apricot granola and grapefruit sorbet aromas with a chewy, supple dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a rich, smooth grilled root vegetable, kale and mint finish. Flavorful, elegant and very drinkable.

84 Samuel Adams Longshot Double IPA, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 9% ABV (3/10)
Curious aromas of singed rice cake dusted with cocoa, grilled peaches and oranges and toasted date bread have a soy accent and follow through on a round, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with alternating impressive of savory meat and melted chocolate covered raisin notes. Finishes with a grilled citrus and roasted soy fade with a hint of mint leaf. Different.

84 Steelhead Double IPA, Mad River Brewing Co. (CA). 8.6% ABV (3/11)
Slightly hazy medium amber color. Aromas of escarole bean stew, hominy soup and pork fat with a thick, chewy, fruity-yet-dry medium-full body and a grapefruit curd, peppercorn, grass and pine finish. A good food beer.

84 Hop’solutely Triple IPA, Fegley’s Brew Works (PA). 11.5% ABV (3/11)
Aromas of coconut cream pie, pineapple-peach salsa and faint wood glue with a chewy, fruity medium-full body and a tropical fruit compote, green peppercorn and okra finish. A big, boozy and brawny IIPA; try with pan-Asian food.

80 Maggie Imperial IPA, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). 8% ABV (3/10)
Slightly hazy pale amber cast. Jumbled aromas of butter-toasted almond, honey and dried apricots have worty, wet grain edge and follow through on a round, smooth entry to a fruity medium-full body with globs of raisin and candied yam notes. Finishes with a sweet-hot lemon pepper and honey fade. Odd.