If beer is any
indication, the United States is following in the footsteps of ancient Rome,
on a path from republic to empire. Before long we’ll likely see Bush
crowning himself Emperor, and maybe even dissolving the senate after
shooting a few lightning bolts out of his hands.
Why do I say this? Well, of late the trend in the beer world seems to be
towards producing “imperial” beers. Oh sure, we’ve had Imperial Stout for a
long time. But “imperial” IPAs, porters, and the latest from the Lagunitas
Brewing Company, Imperial Red Ale?
The trend in the American craft brewing industry has always been towards
bigger and bolder stuff, of course. In this case, however, I think we just
end up with another IPA, albeit one with a little extra crystal malt to it.
Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale is certainly a big enough beer, with an original
gravity of 1.072, 84 IBUs, and an alcohol content by volume of 7.6%. Of
course, these stats are all within IPA range, making an “imperial red” not
that much different from an IPA. And, I think, a lot of beers with the
imperial moniker have this issue: they begin to blur the lines between
styles. At any rate, this is still a very good brew.
Lagunitas Imperial Red pours to a, well, red color; dark red actually
with an almost chestnut hue about it. A fair sized thick foamy head forms on
a moderate to vigorous pour, and the nose directly assaults your olfactory
senses with thick, citrusy hops. So much so that you can’t really put the
glass down before taking a sip.
When you do, you’ll get a nice taste of malt: chewy, caramelly, stewed malt
goodness, and a fair amount of it. It washes over the tongue and coats it
with a rich and luxuriant texture. Now that’s living, my friends. But better
enjoy that delicious malt while you can, because the hops quickly take over
and run the whole show from then on.
The hops build into the finish until they end in a very bitter crescendo
that hop heads are sure to enjoy. While there is a bit of an herbal hop
aroma present, I’m thinking more early hop additions than late ones, as the
intense, grapefruity citric bitterness is the most predominant hop
characteristic here.
Overall, this seems suspiciously like an IPA to me, and probably will to
you, too. But that’s OK, because this is a really good beer, though
certainly not one for the timid of palate. Try it with spicy fare like wings
or tacos for a match made in heaven.
Update 11/20/2014:
And have it with wings I did. Tonight I'm enjoying the
deliciously malty goodness of Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale on tap at Taco Mac.
It's loaded with that same stewed malt and caramel that I always enjoy, and
the bold assertive hop character makes it a perfect match for my spicy
wings. And at $5.50 for a 20-ounce mug it's a bargain, too.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft