Hop Kingdom - Imperial IPA
Fulton Brewing Company

I had a glass of this at Half Brothers Brewing in Grand Forks, ND. After I drank some and rated it, I read the other reviews and I'm now sitting here wondering how long this keg as been on tap and if they ever clean their lines. Boo

 

At the tap room before a Twins game, into a snifter. Clear honey-amber-gold, with a half finger head that subsided quickly. Nose is sweet and treacly caramel and then you’re in the middle of a stand of pine trees. Some dark notes of grapefruit on the edges. Taste is what the nose promises, but more pine and less caramel; there’s also a bit of strawberry or something kind of juicy that isn’t tropical or citrusy…and maybe some kind of interesting honey instead of caramel. It is a hoppy profile with some depth to it, not exactly bitter or all that resinous, but not sweet either…my words are failing, but it packs a punch and I like it. On the mouthful, a little bit oily and coating, but honestly, I was preparing myself for even more based on the nose and taste. Moderate bitterness, but again, I was prepared for a bigger w, based on the taste. No heat. Not overly heavy. A solid old-school west coast double ipa…not going to compete with the best in class, but I’m happy to be drinking it.

From a 12oz can:

Appearance: Clear dark gold, good head.

Smell: Interesting watermelon note, then general fruitiness.

Taste: Mildly sweet to start, mild general fruitiness and prickly carbonation. Watermelon note is still there but in the background. Finishes with a solid citrus bitterness.

Overall: Picked up a mix of the Fulton IPAs, unfortunately they were a little old but this imperial IPA still seems to have legs. Very interesting watermelon note that I don't think I've ever had before. Will have to get a 6er for further investigation.

 

Wow, first taste is a whirlwind of Hop forward delicious piney IPA. An absolute mouthful so "Feel" is amazing. Smell has a bit of skunk to it but it's enchanting somehow. Taste is really full bodied and delicious. ABV is really hidden. This is the best Hop Kingdom beer and it's not close.

 

 

 

12oz can. No dating information found.
Clear, deep gold colored body. Two fingers of white head, which quickly recedes to islands and a ring. Leaves behind thick partial rings of lacing.
Aroma of citrus and papaya.
Taste is sweet with a higher level of bitterness. Flavors of overripe orange, lemon, strawberry, and papaya. Pine resin brings on the bitterness. Bitterness extends into the aftertaste.
Medium mouth feel, with noticeable stickiness. Drying finish. Good carbonation.
Sticky, dank bitterness, and fruit sweetness blend together well.