Imperial IPA - Anderson Valley Brewing Company

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine Issue #37 (Feb 2010):

A humble dedication to the late William Brand, originally brewed for their 20th anniversary in 2007.

Towering head reaches past the rim of the glass and nearly topples over; orange-amber clarity is stunning. Hop aroma jumps from white peppercorn to aspirin, from mint to pine sap and from ruby grapefruit to wild herbs ... the nose brings forth some tropical fruit and caramel malt to boot. Semi-crisp full body, hop bitterness tries to set in the same time alcohol hits the palate to form a duo of spiciness. Alcohol is warming with some fruity esters of pineapple, cherry and mango. A bit of citric rind, lime leaf, aspirin and thick wild herb show off the hop flavor. Caramel and biscuity malt lay underneath. Bitter finish with that alcoholic warmth.

Bitter to say the least, all of the checks for an Imperial IPA have been marked off here. AVBC has done the style much justice.

Serving type: bottle

11-12-2010 19:38:51 | More by BeerAdvocate

abcdefghijkyle

New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

05-21-2013 23:47:46 | More by abcdefghijkyle

johntfox

Florida

4/5  rDev +4.7%

05-21-2013 18:43:22 | More by johntfox

DasBoot2112

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +17.8%

05-02-2013 04:03:32 | More by DasBoot2112

InfernoBoss

California

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

04-28-2013 16:36:44 | More by InfernoBoss

LSx

California

4/5  rDev +4.7%

04-24-2013 19:58:45 | More by LSx

JWNYC

New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

04-17-2013 18:01:29 | More by JWNYC

derkfromwi

Wisconsin

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

04-09-2013 03:12:53 | More by derkfromwi

Mattias

Sweden

4.25/5  rDev +11.3%

04-06-2013 19:58:01 | More by Mattias

polopaul20

Maryland

4/5  rDev +4.7%

04-05-2013 18:23:56 | More by polopaul20

J10Jordan

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

04-03-2013 18:14:19 | More by J10Jordan

marct

Nevada

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

03-18-2013 00:52:21 | More by marct

Highstplz

Indiana

3.5/5  rDev -8.4%

03-17-2013 21:51:07 | More by Highstplz

phishsihq

Colorado

3.96/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Anderson Valley's Imperial IPA weighs in at a hefty 8.7% ABV and 100 IBUs. The beer was originally brewed to celebrate the brewery's 20th anniversary. It pours a slightly hazy, apricot color with a creamy, off-white head that provides some decent lacing. Citrus hops, mostly oranges and tangerines, provide a wonderful opening into this hop-forward nose. Floral aromas follow as the beer warms, and sweet, bready malt aromas underline the entire olfactory experience. The beer erupts on the palate with floral hop flavors taking the lead. As the flavors progress, sweet bready malt swirls with tangerines and pineapple on the way to a long sweet finish. Sweeter than most Imperial IPAs, the brew is medium bodied with a lighter level of carbonation. Sweet...

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 20:18:04 | More by phishsihq

Curtis

Utah

4.38/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a hazy dark gold, thick foamy head that lasted quite a while. Much cloudier than expected, almost Berliner Weisse or Hefe. Mounthfeel was exceptional. No harsh Hop after bitter. Aroma was fairly mild -could use a bit more. Fruity overtones, not too citrus, slightly floral. Smooth, very smooth The balance is exceptional, nice pale maltyness, blended with tasty hops.. Alcohol kick is fairly good at 8.7... it sneaks up quickly, yet quietly. I've had good experiences with this brewery (Boont Amber is a favorite) and they have impressed again.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 04:45:07 | More by Curtis

Phillyz

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +4.7%

02-12-2013 21:36:42 | More by Phillyz

BogBoyJD

Ireland

4/5  rDev +4.7%

02-11-2013 23:08:56 | More by BogBoyJD

thierrynantes

France

4.05/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beer bottle (33 cl.) purchased from La Souffleur de Bière, and tasted 2013.

Appearance : amber color, with white foamy head (w lacing).
Smell : hops, malty and spicy aromas
Taste & mouthfeel : malty and dry hoppy flavors, leading with nice bitter finish.
Drinkability : a nice beer in the style American Imperial IPA.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 19:59:50 | More by thierrynantes

CommanderOfAwesome

California

3.5/5  rDev -8.4%

02-04-2013 21:43:43 | More by CommanderOfAwesome

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.5/5  rDev -8.4%

01-30-2013 04:22:42 | More by marlinsfan4

jsanford

Georgia

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

01-30-2013 02:43:34 | More by jsanford

Huffs

New York

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

01-29-2013 13:40:16 | More by Huffs

BeerBeast

California

3.75/5  rDev -1.8%

01-27-2013 22:32:26 | More by BeerBeast

BSW

California

4.25/5  rDev +11.3%

01-26-2013 16:55:19 | More by BSW

440kk

Ohio

4/5  rDev +4.7%

01-23-2013 03:56:58 | More by 440kk