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Imperial IPAs: Always Original

By K. Florian Klemp Published January 2006, Volume 26, Number 6
Three Floyds Dreadnaught
Victory Brewing Hop Wallop
Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster
Avery The Maharaja
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Imperializing

The developing American fetish for aromatic, strong IPAs rolled unfettered through the 1980s and into the ’90s. Nearly every brewery had one. Over time, as palates acclimated and brewers looked for something new, a natural progression happened.
With plenty of barley wines being brewed (almost requisite on the “left” coast), brewers started demonstrating their skill with mammoth beers whose malt backbone had massive doses of hops breathing down its neck. There was little reason to be reticent, either. America had lost its brewing personality 50 years earlier and, aside from a tradition of craftsmanship, was essentially reinventing itself with respect to beer. There were no boundaries to balk at, no guidelines to abide by, and foremost, no traditionalists to answer to. The brewers themselves were making (and breaking) the rules, smudging the styles, restrained only by the limits of their own creativity.

IPA was a natural target for that take-no-prisoners attitude. Soon enough, as the public dictated, hops won the battle for supremacy. The United States, primarily in the Pacific Northwest, grows a greater variety of hops than anywhere else does. American hops run the gamut from soft and citrusy, to rough and resiny, and even fruity. In combination, and used with finesse, they can produce an IPA with unimaginable hop complexity.

Though its real pioneers resided on the West Coast, Imperial IPA is no longer a regional phenomenon. Imperial IPAs are now as common in middle America and the East Coast as they are on the West―reigning as the undisputed heavyweight champ of hoppy expression, muscle and deftness―all rolled into one.

K Florian Klemp is a research analyst in Durham, NC, and an award-winning homebrewer.
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Tasting Notes

  • Three Floyds Dreadnaught

    Located in Munster, IN, Three Floyds is easily one of the most original and hard-working breweries in the US, with flourish being part of the gig. The Dreadnaught is a deep copper, lacy brew whose aroma itches to get out of the bottle—full of grapefruit, pine needles, peach, and mown grass in the nose. The palate is unyielding with a full mouthfeel and malty, caramel, flavors. Allowing the beer to warm really liberates the character. Noticeably strong with some volatile alcohol warming. In a word, impressive.

    ABV: 9.5%

  • Victory Brewing Hop Wallop

    Brewed in Downingtown, PA, Victory Hop Wallop is made with German malt and American hops. Pale orange in color, the aroma is malty with a mixture of citrus and resinous pine. Creamy on the palate with substantial body. The hops are a bit more reserved than those of some other Imperial IPAs, but nevertheless suitably defining. Very easy drinking and deceptive. While Pennsylvania may be more famous for its German-style brews, Victory Brewing is both eclectic and distinguished. Hop Wallop is testament to that.

    ABV: 8.5%

  • Terrapin Big Hoppy Monster

    From Athens, GA, Big Hoppy Monster demonstrates well the breadth of the American infatuation with the style. Rich and deep copper in color, the aroma is a balanced mixture of floral, orange, malt, and caramel. The flavor is chewy and robust, and has a bit more malt accent than others in the style. It finishes rich and complex without being overbearing. This brew is in its infancy, here's hoping it enjoys a long life.

    ABV: 8.0%

  • Avery The Maharaja

    This summer seasonal from Avery Brewing in Boulder, CO, is as majestic as its name implies. Glistening copper when poured, the cream-colored head gives way to a wonderful lace. The cornucopia of citrus in the aroma is backed by a caramel-candy-and-malt background. The flavor is a continuous flow of malt and hops and very smooth. The "Great King" is fitting enough for an Imperial beer, but the beer itself must past muster among the subjects. Maharaja has no problem doing so.

    ABV: 9.7%