Redhook Big Ballard Imperial IPA isn't just another extra-hopped lager. At 8.7% ABV and 66 IBU, this brew seems to exceed serious IPA standards. According to Wikipedia,
India Pale Ale, or IPA, has been used in the United Kingdom to describe a well-hopped, high-gravity beer since 1835. [...] IPAs have a long history in the United States and Canada, and many breweries there produce a version of the style. Contemporary American IPAs are typically brewed with distinctively American hops, such as Cascade, Centennial, Citra, Columbus, Chinook, Simcoe, Amarillo, Tomahawk, Warrior, Neomexicanus, and Nugget. [...] Double IPAs (also referred to as Imperial IPAs) are a stronger, very hoppy variant of IPAs that typically have alcohol content above 7.5% by volume.
So here is a very strong pale ale with a crisp citrus flavor, bitter hops, and a dry finish. It also seems to have a sort of pine hint to the scent and flavor. To be honest, I don't particularly like this. It's not a bad beer by any means, but it's definitely not to my taste. If you like the IPA style, you'll probably find this a worthy example to try. It's just not a beer for me. With any luck, though, the hops and alcohol will help with my back pain tonight.
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