Amager Bryghus Linda The Axe Grinder Imperial IPA at 9% ABV (C$11.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 500 ml, best before 1-Dec-2019, acquired 4-Aug-2017, reviewed 19-Aug-2017)
Appearance: ruby-tinged amber-brown with one fat finger of creamy beige head diminishing gradually to a thin cap and ring, spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: resiny pine, toffee, citrus, oak, vanilla. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slightly slick body, moderate-low carbonation, sweetish lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Reminds me of Arrogant Bastard, particularly the oaked version: big resiny and citrusy hops barely dominate over a sweet bready toffee, with a little bit of barrel coming through as wood and vanilla notes. Sure, they call this an “Oaked Imperial Red IPA”, and Arrogant Bastard is generally classified with the fairly non-specific “American Strong Ale” moniker, but in terms of actual flavours (and appearance) they’re pretty similar. Except, this one is emphatically higher in ABV, which (almost) never hurts, right? I’m actually starting to feel really annoyed that I didn’t try anything by this brewery when I was in Denmark – I have a vague memory of seeing them in a couple of places, but never really noticed them enough to actually buy anything. Funny that I then bought three in Alberta less than a week after being in Denmark, but hey, I’m glad I did. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
