Building the Beast
Skill is required to brew any beer competently, but when boundaries are toppled in the name of exploration, experimental aptitude and intuition may be even more important. Beyond being just a beefier version of IPA, Imperial versions are incrementally more complex by design. Grain bills remain relatively similar to those of IPA, with pale ale malt and 2-row as the base. To that, small amounts of caramel and the malty Munich variety round out the mouthfeel and inject a bit of creaminess. More importantly, however, this gussets the hop onslaught. Generally light amber to bronze in color, Imperial IPA makes use of a relatively simple malt bill to showcase the hops. And showcased they are.
These beers practically introduce themselves, as their aromatics fairly lunge from the bottle or glass. Even for experienced IPA lovers, Imperials are a world apart. The IBU (international bittering unit) ratings are lofty, often exceeding 100 units, and more generally, around 80. In comparison, an IPA would come in a relatively modest 60 or so units, with a pale ale registering around 35 to 40 units. This is only a measure of the actual bitterness, however; the real backbone of the brew is its flavor and aromatic hops.
It’s evident to anyone with an appreciation for American IPA that these Imperials present the familiar bouquet of northwestern hops. Grapefruit and other citrus, as well as cherry, pine resin, and a general floral presentation exemplify a well-made IIPA. And, as if the burst of aroma wasn’t enough to take your breath away, they generally pack a roundhouse punch of 8 or more percent alcohol by volume. Brash and powerful, IIPA is a worthy companion to any feisty style of cuisine.
If ever a beer style symbolized the rambunctious, independent nature of American microbrewers, the Imperial IPA does. Its blueprint for success was well established and needed only some adventurous and restless souls to take the plunge. Imperial IPA has spawned a movement of its own, with the imperialization of porters, brown ales, pilsners, and almost any other style becoming commonplace. For now, though, brawny IIPA is the most palate-tested and awe-inspiring of them all.
