WARNING: This beer should be consumed by someone with a lot of time on their hands. Like, seriously. This was not at all like the beer I chugged over the weekend during a little reminiscent pong action. This was a turn-on-some-light-music, open-a-good-book kind of beer. Indeed, this IPA is among the most extreme of brews–one can argue that the 21% ABV actually places it well into a category all its own. Personally, I am on the fence on its categorization. While brewed in the basic harmony, of an IPA, it falls so far outside the normal ABV range for the Imperial IPA style. Sam Calagione does have his tricks about him to create a unique, enjoyable experience which many (although clearly not all) beer lovers can appreciate.

When I mentioned that there is some dissenting opinion as to the overall placement of this extreme beer, I would say that it is because many would consider it to be an extension of their 60 or 90-minute IPAs: it’s not. While the Warrior, Amarillo, and Simcoe hops are present in flavor, they are but a muffled cry over the syrup-like sweetness. I may actually appreciate it more as I age (and my taste buds continue to die off, thereby requiring me to try stronger and stronger flavors). Try one for yourself and you shall see. The $10-per-bottle price tag makes it a special-occasion type of beer, but I’d say find that occasion and do it for the experience. Cheers!