Big Ballard Imperial IPA

Red Hook Big Ballard Imperial IPA is an Imperial IPA, and was evaluated as a Double IPA (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 22A) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, one anticipates prominent hop aroma and flavor, smooth alcohol and moderate malt body. Overall, Red Hook Big Ballard Imperial IPA has an enjoyable aroma, if a bit subdued for the style. For style, it displays a lower than anticipated aroma and flavor intensity as well as uncharacteristic steel minerality and a watery body.

The restrained aroma displays light fresh lime zest and light vanilla cream of wheat notes. A mellow pineapple juice and coconut emerges after a minute, as do pine needles. Its appearance shows a clear medium gold color with frothy carbonation that turns into a frothy film on surface of the beer.

The first taste starts clean and then pine resin and tortilla flavors coat the tongue. The beer rushes to a clean yet watery finish with an aftertaste of drying steel minerality. The steeliness builds while drinking. The mouthfeel is a blend of watery body and alcoholic heat. Fortunately, there is a pleasant creaminess making the alcohol pleasant rather than harsh. Overall, enjoyable with subdued aromas and limited flavors for the style.