United Nations of Beer

Unearthly Imperial IPA

by Mike Willaford
(Minnesota)

Great Beer Shirts!

Unearthly Imperial IPA
Southern Tier

Imperial beers, to me, are an interesting form in the art of beer. Loads of noble hops infusing into an almost royal form of brewing. The brews are countless and complex.

There is a trick to making such a highly hopped beer, making sure that the flavor is intense, but not so much that it just becomes another hoppy beer without any dexterity or taste.

The Unearthly Imperial India Pale Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood, NY has all of the dexterity and complexity that every Imperial should have.

Topping in at 11% ABV, this is an IPA that easily stands out amongst the static. Combining 2-row pale malts with cera-pils malt and red wheat, creating a beautiful marriage with a unique fusion of hops, including cascade, chinook, centenial and styrian golding.

The blend of cascade and centenial give a bright citrus after taste with almost a tart bite. There is a slight smokey tone from the chinook hops. This IPA has a bright and sweet aroma that compliments the innate bitterness. This beer meets and exceeds its mark and is a must try for fans of IPAs or fans of hoppy beers.

Though this is a highly hopped beer, it still holds a high drinkability and has a very clean taste, almost too clean for having such a high alcohol content. Comes in a 22oz. bottle and should be served in a flute.