Drakes Jolly Rodger 2011 Imperial Dark IPA
From Drakes – Our holiday creation the Jolly Rodger is back for another round, and this year’s Jolly is bolder and blacker than ever as an Imperial Dark IPA. A blend of American 2-row barley, dark roasted barley and rye make this beer intensely smooth and black, while a heavy dose of Chinook, Citra and CTZ hops give it a crisp, West Coast-style hoppy edge. Smooth and hop-forward, but with a heart of darkness, this year’s Jolly is bolder than ever before.
Drakes Brewery – Drake’s Jolly Rodger 2011 Imperial Dark IPA 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet – 8.75% abv.
Appearance: Pours like black coffee with a creamy tan ring around the top.
Aroma: Herbal, medicinal hops, caramel and roasted malt.
Taste: Big abrasive piny and herbal hops, finishes slightly roasty and very bitter.
Mouthfeel: On the thin side of medium bodied with spicy carbonation.
Overall: The bitterness masks all other qualities of this beer for me. I hate overly roasty “Black IPAS” and I can’t taste much roast, or anything else for that matter. Don’t try to age this, even though you might be tempted with it being a vintage beer. I don’t dislike it, and it is drinkable, but it’s not great either.
