Deschutes Brewery Sagefight Imperial IPA American Double / Imperial IPA at 8% ABV | 75 IBU (US$2.69 at Specs Main Houston, 355 ml, best before 29-Apr-2017, acquired 8-Mar-2017, reviewed 21-Mar-2017)
Appearance: clear pale to medium amber with one finger of fluffy ivory head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: herbal sage, juniper berries, resiny pine, caramel malt, citrus, earth. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, moderate carbonation, dry building bitter and mildly warming finish. (4/5)
Well, it’s certainly not refreshing, light, or crisp – but that’s not to say it doesn’t have its own attractions. Sage and juniper battle for first place, and both are clearly distinct from a resiny pine note – but all combine to provide a deeply dank overall character. There’s actually so much resiny spice that there’s a bit of retronasal burn, and the citrus is a long way behind the more savoury notes. However, the dryness of the finish goes a long way towards preventing it from being heavy or ponderous. This would go great with turkey dinner, in fact. Interesting, well-made, and reasonably well-balanced for what it is. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
