 Gregis (884), Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Jul 15, 2007
Bottle purchased at Corral Liquors in Granite City, IL. Pours a sparkling orange with a rocky, off-white head that has some staying power. Not having read any reviews, I was expecting a hop bomb. I was pleasantly surprised at the nose: sweet caramel malts and fruity hops. Tangerine and melon notes...very nice and "light". Medium/full-bodied and creamy-soft it finishes only slightly bitter. This brew is very balanced for a beer weighing in at 90 IBU. They must use a boatload of malt to get such an amazing integration of flavors. The taste is a sweet toasted caramel malt front with a fruity hop finish, but I use that oversimplification primarily because it’s so difficult to pull out individual flavors. It isn’t really very bitter at all until a few seconds after the swallow. Then a nice bitterness sets in at the back sides of your tongue. Surprisingly malty, but very tasty; a light alcohol on exhale, but I’m likin’ it. I see why this beer is so well regarded.
eli723 (8), USA
does not count  Aug 20, 2008 Very heavy, syrupy, IPA. Trying for too much in my opinion. Almost like the fermentation was incomplete - so much residual malt. Over-rated.
phishpond417 (1360), Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Aug 20, 2008 YES! That’s the first thing that came to mind when i took my first sip of this beer. Pours a bright, translucent orange-amber colour with a medium sized frothy white top. Leave behind little evidence of a creamy head, however retention is fairly decent. Mouthfeel is incredibly peaceful. A tranquil step into hops heaven.
Flavors are initially piney, well balanced and fruity. ORange, apricot and grapefruit. Another great brew from Dogfish Head!
rthbass (13), Vancouver, Washington, USA
Aug 19, 2008 In the bottle from By the Bottle in Vancouver, WA.
Wow. Truly a great beer! Strong aroma of hop resin and malty goodness. Almost a brown ale aroma from the large amounts of 2-row used. GREAT head retention and lacing. If you’re not getting a great head on this someone isn’t pouring it right. Beautiful dark orange, slightly cloudy color. Hit’s you in the face with hops right off the bat. Delicious hop profile. Not overly bitter, especially for an"Imperial IPA." VERY BALANCED! This would be even better on tap. Should be enjoyed just under room temp to accentuate the goodness. All in all one of the top IPA’s around!!
NomDeBeer (129), Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Aug 18, 2008 This is a good beer, but it’s not one that I’d revisit frequently. I love IPA’s, but this isn’t what I’m looking for in the style. Not enough hops, and the alcohol is too prevalent.
maxwellboltz (2), Potomac, Maryland, USA
does not count Aug 18, 2008 Very smooth IPA. Mild over tones of citrus. Not over the top: just right (balanced). Small head. Nice aroma. You can really smell the hops.
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