Friday, January 21, 2011

Coranado Brewing Company - Idiot IPA

Purchased From: Harvest Fine Wines & Spirits
Serving Type: 12 oz. bottle, poured into a pint glass

From Coranado's "Crown Series" of big beers comes Idiot IPA an 8.5% ABV West Coast-style Imperial IPA. The body is a deep amber with a mild copper glow with a fine yeast suspension that floats throughout the unfiltered beer. The beer has a thin head, but manages moderate retention and ends up with a light film of foam. The nose is complex with a light vanilla aroma and hints of candied fruits. The citrus hops come through with an overall ferocity. Overall the beer smells strong with an underlying malty and alcohol sweetness.

Matching the aroma, the beer also seems strong right off the bat. It manages, however, to hide its alcohol well and the sense seems to come primarily from the density of the beer. The beer is sweet with hints of caramel, but the hops steal the spotlight. There's a strong bitterness to the beer and the hops come through clearly with a slight grassy freshness. The beer wraps up with a bit of spiciness and leaves a lingering bitterness. Only the most mild alcoholic sweetness sneaks in at the last minute for a finishing touch.

Final Verdict: A-

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