Great Lakes Brewing Company Chillwave American Double / Imperial IPA at 9.0% ABV (Trade – thanks, Norm!, 355 ml, best before 3-Jul-2016, acquired 11-May-2016, reviewed 12-May-2016)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one finger of creamy ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: pithy citrus, moderately resiny and dank pine, pale malt, floral, slightly earthy. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (9/10) Medium-full slightly slick body, moderate-high carbonation, lingering moderately bitter lightly warming finish. (4/5)
Oh yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout. Nice example of one of my favourite styles. Fresh enough that the hops haven’t lost ground to the pale (and maybe a hint of caramel) malt, big bitter but clean in the finish. The higher ABV is nearly completely integrated, manifesting only as a slight warming in the finish. Big without being overwhelming, confident without being brash. I could drink a whole lot of these. (17/20)
8.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
