 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jun 28, 2005
Numerous, numerous, numerous samples at the ABF on 6/17/2005. A chill-hazed, unfiltered, sparkling copper-gold, with some bright orange/peach tones, small bubbles rising and a large, persistent, thick-looking white head. Lacing is present. Aroma of tropical fruits to the max, sweet crystally/caramelly malts, though more sugars than toasted notes. Sweet, fresh, juicy oranges, honey dough and a very floral bitterness. Full and lasting is the aroma. Flavor begins with a burst of tropical fruits, juicy, fresh, full of flavor and complexity. Peaches, mangoes, pineapples, blood oranges, kiwis, tangerines and only light pininess. Wow. The beer is flawlessly, IMHO, balanced with malt and hops bitterness. In fact, I’d say there’s much more apparent hops flavor than bitterness. No syrupy, resinous, sharp, acidic bitter notes to make you cringe on the end. The flavors smoothly transition between hops and malt and then back again without you even realizing it. On the finish, I detect more floral notes from the hops, with a mint-like herbal character, subtle earthy green hops notes and just a lip-smacking malt sweetness. Full body, with just a shade of alcohol on the end, giving a touch of belly-warming. Creamy texture, low carbonation; the liquid tickles the tongue and you can almost taste the fuzzy hops which make this beer so delicious. Wow. I don’t care for double IPAs, let alone beers that call themselves a triple IPA, but this is just marvelous. A real dedication to balance, unlike some others I know, *cough* Devil Dancer *cough*. Cheers Vinnie, keep em coming!!!
badbeer (408), Iowa, USA
Jul 6, 2008 Nice golden color with an off-white head that retains well and leaves a decent lacing. Absolutely mind blowing aroma. Full of citrus; grapefruit and pine and other aromas I can’t hardly begin to describe are not only blended perfectly, but are powerful enough to greet your tongue from a foot away. Amazing taste of aforementioned aromas with a strong, yet amazing bitterness. The bitterness seemed like it came in waves; extremely bitter, but only pleasant bitterness, not harsh at all. Mouthfeel was medium bodied with a dry finish, leaving you wanting more and more once the explosion of taste leaves your mouth. I would drink the hell out of this if given the opportunity.
I should note that this was from a growler shared at DLD 2007, it was not a full glass, but I felt there was more than enough for a review.
gotbeach (121), San Diego, California, USA
Jul 1, 2008 On tap at Stone. Intense Hops, citrus, not too spicy. You can’t taste the 11%. Did I mention hops? Good carbonation, with a very dry finish. Tasty.
BOLTZ7555 (447), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Jun 25, 2008 Thanks to Sparky27 for the tip on this. Tried at Hollingshead Deli along side it’s older brother. Let’s just say that it’s good to be young!!! This rating would be insignificant but it is my 50th rating in the top 100!!! What a beer to mark being half-way there!!! Bright orange peel, lemon zest, and floral aroma with hints on evergreen. Huge 2-inch tight white foam with an amazing blaze orange body. Lacing clinging mightily to the inside of the glass, a fond memory of the sip that just transpired. Flavor is incredible...definitely more aggressive and profound than it’s older sibling. Orchard fresh nectarine, Ponderosa pine, and a bit of grapefruit rind tartness in the finish. Coating yet not cloying mouthfeel. AN INCREDIBLE SPECIMEN!!!
paytoplay (35), , California, USA
Jun 25, 2008 Sometimes a beer kept in such high regard can falter when actually faced with reality. This beer somehow became even better than the old stories I had heard for years befor having the chance to try it out.
The same DNA as the "Elder" but richer, velvity, and the best finish I’ve ever experienced with a beer ever. Aroma is also lifting, needed as the light in color beer is still huge in style and hop weight. Magic hops maybe? There is no other way to explain it. Please please please bottle this beer!!
kegbear (73), Orange, California, USA
Jun 20, 2008 On tap at hollingshead. Triple IPA with a huge floral nose. Taste of citrus, some pine and a slight smooth maltyness. This is the best imperial IPA I’ve ever had.
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