Jezebel IPA
BJ's Restaurants & Brewery

I always order this (if available) or the Tatonka stout when I go. Rather smooth for an Imperial IPA. Pours clear orange-gold with an oily ring. Hops are obvious in the nose. Taste is big hops, the citrus is mellowed by the malt. A very good IPA, but it really can't be compared to the Ruination or YuleSmith offerings. I would still definitely drink this again.

Appearance: I had this beer at BJ's in Arcadia, CA on 4/10/05. Served in a pint glass the beer is a clear golden tan color with a thin but long lasting head. I suspect the head was even thicker and creamier but the bartender poured off part of it.

Smell: Malty base scents wit ha clean and light floral hop smell. The hoppy smell is not overpowering like some IPAs. It is quite appealing.

Taste: Slightly roasty malt opening comes as a surprise but it is quite good. There is a burst of hoppiness up front. It's big but not annoying as so many IPAs tend to be. (No, I am not a hop head, I like a balanced beer most of the time.) The hop flavor is very floral and earth with a sandy character and a dry ending. The end has a second hop flavor that is more fruity and sweet and feels more airy. It's lighter than the first hop flavor and compliments the bready aftertaste quite well. The 9.5% ABV is hidden quite well.

Mouthfeel: Clean and dry on the palate. I appreciate that my palate is not ruined after one of these. Hoppiness is bold and unashamed, but it is not painful or annoying.

Drinkability: This is an exceptionally drinkable beer. It's mellow compared to some of the IPAs coming out of California and would be a good beer to use to introduce people to the DIPA syle. I am impressed that they can hide 9.5% without knocking me off the bar stool with hops. A very well done and well balanced DIPA.