New Crustacean Barleywineish Imperial IPA Sorta

Experimental Beer | Year-Round | United States

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 91
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

For an Imperial IPA/Barleywine hybrid, the aroma was rather subdued and I really didn’t get that much of a hop aroma. This beer poured a golden-yellow color with very nice clarity and a rocky, foamy head of small, tight bubbles sitting above that lingered for a long time. The malt and hops were well blended and smooth with a slight hint of wood in the flavor with slight fruity esters. This beer was aggressively hopped, but it also had a very nice malt backbone. With a medium body and substantial carbonation, the mouthfeel for this beer was perfect. The finish was both crisp and dry and the alcohol strength warrants the “imperial” moniker. This beer had a nice smooth burn in the finish.