Few things in life live up to expectations. Food, movies, books, heck anything that is hyped to no end. "Try this it's the best", then you try it with these ungodly expectations and you're even more bummed then you are happy, just because you had this explosion of senses mind only to be let down. Today I bought a case, not a sixer, not a growler, but a case of beer due to expectations. Let me tell you this, it lived up to, and exceeded every one of the expectations. I even drove 45 minutes to buy this beer and still...... Wow, that is all I can say.
After reading all the hoopla, I found out that this beer was being released this week and decided that I was going to track some down. Turns out there is one distributor within 3 hours that sells it and it's 45 minutes away. So, the plan was to go over on Tuesday to get some. Well, that didn't work out but I was was determined to try this beer, and try it fresh. I went today, got home and immediately poured a beer, ignoring my no drinking during the week (other than pool night, of course) rule.
As you can see from the picture, it pours a smooth copper while holding a nice head. The initial smell is a mix between pineapple and grapefruit. It could be the perfect marriage of hops and maltiness. The taste is very similar to the smell, and at 7.5 ABV it hides the alcohol perfectly. I can still taste this beer even as I write this, 45 minutes later. Needless to say that overall I think this beer is amazing the only thing I can't figure out is why it is not called an IPA. I mean it has all the characteristics of an IPA but with the name of Imperial Amber Ale. IPA, Imperial Amber Ale, it doesn't matter this beer is great, and is going to get a rating of 9.5. I have to leave room for a perfect 10 even if I never try one.
