Blue Cat Howling Man Imperial Pale Ale

Draft at the brewpub. Poured a murky dark orange-brown color. The head was thin, off white, and didn’t leave any lace behind. Smelled of distinct grape candy, dish water, and subdued dark toffee. There was also a whiff of hay. Medium bodied and slightly sweet up front with mild to moderate bitterness that increased somewhat toward the end and lingered after the finish. Carbonation was on the low end of the spectrum. Tasted of grape candy, pale malt, and earthy/grassy Euro hops. There was also some harsh alcohol. Reminded me more of an imperial pilsner than an imperial IPA.

Had on tap on the brewpub in a snifter. I had high hopes for this beer and landed in disappointment. It’s labeled as an Imperial Pale Ale, and their site has it listed as an Impy IPA, but it’s not nearly hoppy enough either way. The flavor was very sweet and malty with just a hint of citrus hops, but not nearly enough flavor or bitterness for the style.

Sampled at Brew Ha Ha 2005. Cloudy golden with a big, frothy white head. Pineapple, apricot, pine, and peach pit aroma is very nice. Nicely hopped flavor as well, lending a bittersweet pine resin/grapefruit pucker-inducing punch - not too heavy, but not too light either. Highly carbonated, but it works for this. Very nice.