Know your beer: Imperial IPAs

CINCINNATI -- While craft beer is still growing, most drinkers can tell the difference between a stout or a lager, or even between a pale ale and a brown ale; but what about when it comes to some of the higher-end beers?

To help educate those new to craft beer and raise awareness about the vast array of beer styles out there, #9beer is launching a new series focused on examining beer styles that the average enthusiast may not know much about.

We’ll also partner with our beer blogger friends to discuss what people can expect flavor-wise from the beers, and good foods to pair these beers with.

This month we’re starting with Imperial IPAs. According to the BJCP Guide, (that’s Beer Judge Certification Program,) an Imperial IPA can be described technically as:

“An intensely hoppy, very strong pale ale without the big maltiness and/or deeper malt flavors of an American barleywine. Strongly hopped, but clean, lacking harshness, and a tribute to historical IPAs. Drinkability is an important characteristic; this should not be a heavy, sipping beer. It should also not have much residual sweetness or a heavy character grain profile.”

“A recent American innovation reflecting the trend of American craft brewers “pushing the envelope” to satisfy the need of hop aficionados for increasingly intense products. The adjective “Imperial” is arbitrary and simply implies a stronger version of an IPA; “double,” “extra,” “extreme,” or any other variety of adjectives would be equally valid.”

An Imperial IPA should be in 7.5-10 percent ABV and 60-100 IBUs (International Bittering Units) range but variances abound in the American market. Click here for a complete description at the BJCP’s website.

MORE COVERAGE: What are IBUs?

The Cincinnati area has been lucky enough to be graced with four strong contenders in the Imperial IPA category in the past month. We sat down recently with LoveBeer, LoveFood’s Lindsay Bohanske and BeerQuestABV’s Ian Hoopes to talk beer and pairings with four of Cincinnati’s best examples of the styles.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Find out What's Brewing in Cincinnati

“Imperial IPAs are rather challenging beers to pair food with because the hops are so aggressive. A basic principle of pairing is matching the intensity of flavors. As a result, with Imperial IPAs you have to look for foods with bold flavors such as pork carnitas or spiced lamb dishes,” Bohanske said.

The bloggers recommend that you think about the flavor of the hops and work with complimentary flavors when pairing with foods. Bohanske said enthusiasts should think of flavors that work harmoniously but aren’t necessarily the same.

“If you don’t like IPAs, you might try an Imperial IPA because they can be more balanced. You owe yourself the chance to try the Imperials, doubles and triples because it might help you enjoy hops in ways that you didn’t think you could,” Hoopes said.

Courtesy of MadTree Brewing MadTree’s Galaxy High

First up, MadTree has its Galaxy High on tap currently. It clocks in at 10.2 percent ABV and 120 IBUs. A perennial favorite, the MadTree brewers said fans should feel safe knowing it’s available to try at the taproom most of the time.

LB: This features an herbal flavor with a hint of citrus. I get a caramel malt backbone with the expected aggressive hop character. The fruit I taste has hints of passion fruit with lots of pineapple and a moderately bitter finish. I would call it “sweet pineapple.” You also get the expected warmth of higher alcohol beer.

JF: I would add that there is a degree of that resiny mouthfeel that you’ll get with Imperial IPAs. This beer will stick on your tongue for a bit -- not that any of us mind.

Pairing suggestions: A great pairing for this beer would be grilled pork tenderloin with a soy/citrus marinade. Try pairing with a pineapple-cilantro salsa. If in need of a side dish, think arugula salad with a simple, subtle lemon vinaigrette.

Courtesy of Mount Carmel Brewing Mount Carmel’s Imperial IPA

Next up is Mount Carmel Brewing’s Imperial IPA. It’s the brewery’s first in their Snapshot special beer release line. This imperial comes in at 85 IBUs and 9 percent ABV.

LB: You’ll find an earthy character with this beer coupled with citrusy, tropical flavors. You would never know this is 9 percent ABV. For as approachable as it is, the complexity exhibits a intriguing balance of flavors.

IH: It’s a complex beer. There is a bready-ness on the nose that you may pick up immediately. For drinkers who are new to more hop-forward beers, this may be more approachable but still a good example of the style.

Pairing suggestion: Kick up a hot dish of spicy chicken and waffles. For those looking for a brunch pairing, the spice and sweetness of the entrée will go nicely with the fruit and bitterness of this beer.

Courtesy of Rhinegeist Brewing Rhinegeist’s Saber Tooth Tiger

Rhinegeist’s Saber Tooth Tiger roars in at the third position. The Over-the-Rhine brewers describe this beer by saying “this beast is strong and hopped to prehistorical proportions.” It clocks in at 95 IBUs and 8.8 percent ABV.

LB: This smells like watermelon and tropical fruit candy. It’s boozy, balanced and finishes fairly clean. You can distinctly tell the different hop characters in this beer. This finishes with a pine character and medium heat.

IH: When it comes to Imperial IPAs, this is a well-balanced beer. The aroma of the beer is very inviting. You may be able to pull out hints of pineapple, but be warned – the aroma may be deceiving paired with that hop-forward bitterness.

Pairing suggestions: Try a hot, spicy coconut chicken curry with this beer. Serve it over rice and let the delicious melody melt together.

Courtesy of Fifty West Brewing Fifty West’s Tripa

Finally, we have Fifty West Brewing’s Tripa imperial. While you can’t get this beer right now, (though I’ve heard rumors of a few bottles lingering behind the bar,) it was part of the pack that came out recently. It weighed in at 11 percent ABV and “420” IBUs. We’re told that if you want to get this beer, you should try their “Punch you in the EyePA” while you wait for Tripa to return.

LB: It’s got a substantial malt aroma mixed with citrusy hops and an alcoholic tingle. Fans of malt sweetness will enjoy this beer as it borders on being an American barley wine. This beer will stick on your palate so it is great to share with friends late into your session. IH: This is an example of the style with a strong malt backbone that will appeal to fans of denser, heavier beers. The malt in this results in a sticky-sweet finish that can blur the lines between styles. This beer is made for sharing and analyzing as you sift through its many layers. Pairing suggestion: You need a big flavor to go with this beer and dairy is a great place to start. Think of creamy fondue with savory meat to dip. Cheeses to consider include cheddar, Stilton, or other big, bold options.

Conclusion

Don’t forget that imperials are pretty “big” beers. They’re best to be sipped slowly and enjoyed – plus you’ll likely want something to eat so pay attention to those pairings.

Also, Rivertown Brewing is close to releasing its DIPA/Imperial known as “Hop Baron.” It’s available on draft now and bottles will be available at your favorite shop soon.

Next month we’ll be looking at the wealth of pumpkin and other fall beers that have come to spice the Queen City up a notch.

(Editor's Note: Lindsay Bohanske is also a sales rep for Cavalier Distributing, which is the distributing partner of MadTree Brewing)

RELATED: Brew tours spring up amid local beer renaissance MORE: Top local bottle shops

For the latest Cincinnati beer news and entertainment, go to wcpo.com/beer or follow Jesse on Twitter at @wcpojesse .

You can take part in the conversation at our #9beer Facebook page too!

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