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Description:
The first Imperial beer of the year is The Illinois, a 9.0% ABV 95 IBU Imperial IPA that pushes the limits of hop flavor and aroma. Deep gold, complex citrus aroma, balanced clean bitterness, medium to full body (Description provided by company)
Brewer:
Beer Style:
ABV:
9.00% ABV
Availability Frequency:
February
Containers Available:
bottle
Locations Where Available:
nationwide
Store/Serve Temperature:
close to 55 degrees F
Comments
Named after a proposed 528 story skyscraper...
The Illinois, named after Frank Lloyd Wright's proposed mile-high skyscraper in Chicago. This has some big shoes to fill.
Pours a clear dark amber, with about two fingers of head. Head is off white and quite bubbly.
Nose is towering (HA!) and unmistakable. Lots of citrus, pine, and floral hops, along with a noticeable malt backbone. Alcohol aromas are moderate but don't take away too much from the hops and malts.
Taste is similarly strong and assertive. Hops are very cutting and bitterness is quite high (95 IBU). Hop flavors lean away from the citrus and are more reminiscent of pine resin. Malt is strong compared to ordinary APA and IPAs, but only slightly dampens the high hop flavors and bitterness. Alcohol really dries out the aftertaste, so the bitterness doesn't linger much.
Medium body and moderately light carbonation.
A beer best left for those who are looking for a strong and assertive hop experience. If you like hops (or a challenge) and can find it, though, pick up a bottle and enjoy!