Barley Creek Celebration Ale

Brewed by Barley Creek Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
Tannersville, Pennsylvania USA

on tap at bcbc...a blend of hops and citrus comes off a golden body with a fluffy white head. the taste was a great balance with the hops leading the way, followed by a malty center, and ending with a tangy, citrusy hop tail. alot of body for an iipa, much more than i expected, and the final aftertaste was not a puckering bitterness, but was almost more of the malts than the hops. i was very surprised at the quality of this beer, and had several pints after dinner while chatting, each one just as enjoyable as the first.

Draft at BC. Pours deep copper with uniform white head. Aroma of big hops, fruit, and floral esters. Tastes very hoppy, very well balanced by a solid malt backbone and some fruit in the finish. A palate density and level of fruity complexity approaching a maibock, while maintaining the baseline qualities of an Impy IPA. Very nicely done.

This double IPA reminded me very much of Barley Creek’s Atlas Ale as far as the level of malt in it and the fact its slightly less potent alcohol wise. It still packs enough of a punch that they won’t allow it to be put in growlers. It is very tasty and it is bitter as Indian Pale Ales are supposed to be. It has a pleasant coppery color and pleasant aroma. I’m not sure how well it qualifies as a double IPA given there are many more bitter single IPAs out there. But I like that this particular one doesn’t go over the top. It is very well balanced.