Widmer Brothers Nelson Imperial IPA

From Widmer Brothers – Take your taste buds on a journey to the far side of the world. New Zealand’s legendary Nelson Sauvin hop gives this IPA a powerful hoppy character, but none of the heaviness you sometimes find in Imperial IPAs. The result is a big brew with a sweet, malty character that perfectly balances the intense hop aroma and flavor.

Widmer Brothers Brewing – Widmer Brothers Nelson Imperial IPA – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 8.6% abv. 

Appearance:   Pours a vibrant amber gold with a retaining cap of dense white foam. Leaves behind creamy lacing.

Aroma:  Grapefruit, pine, caramel, pineapple, candied orange. The malt sweetness is very apparent.

Taste:  Abrasive bitter pine notes, then some softer tropical fruits, some spicy caramel malt. Finishes nice and bitter.

Mouthfeel:  Full bodied, on the high side of medium carbonation level, juicy.

Overall:  While I was expecting a larger ‘Nelson’ nose on this, the beer is very good, very flavorful and balanced. As far as double IPAs go, this is pretty dry and easy to drink.