It is great. I remember initially liking Ephraim & Abner equally but Abner was less impressive with subsequent batches.
The term 'Imperial' is still used for an IPA? I haven't noticed it in a long time. As far as I'm concerned it's the same thing as a Double IPA, so your votes count.
For me, The Alchemist - Crusher (barely edged out Heady Topper but love both). @Ocalafox The usual suspects from Russian River are not far behind but that Crusher is flavorfully addicting.
I’ve only had it twice and it was like 8 years ago but Keene Idea by the OG Alpine is still the goat to me.
Here's the thing: "Imperial" was for beers over 8%. At some point someone (likely some breweries marketing cubicle) decided that that term didn't "POP" enough, and they needed a different term. Double was right there, and also had no clear definition: was double the malt, alcohol, yeast, water? Who knows! Then, some other breweries cubicle looked at that and went "Double, my ass, our shizzle is TRIPLE!!!!!!! Triple ************s! Until and unless there's some clear, agreed upon, terminology, it's all just marketing bullshit.
Well 'Double' went past marketing schtick and advanced into practicality by becoming the name of a style (aka Imperial to a lesser degree in my experience), and we Americans do love having style names so we know what the hell we're drinking.
Comrade's Hop Chops is my top dog, although it's a style I admittedly don't usually love. Pretty much any DIPA coming out of Russian River, Breakside, and La Cumbre = right there, too.
NvU When I crack open a fresh can, it’s the most wonderful ipa aroma I’ve ever aroma-ed Local brewery BKS has a dipa series based on what color you attach to hops. Mosaic(purple) citra(orange) etc. bks double purple label is the best hazy ipa I’ve ever had.
I miss having easy access to Pliny. Sticky Hands. Double Cone. Heady. Enjoy by, when it first hit. Same with Lagunitas Sucks, in the 40 oz bottles. Palate Wrecker was glorious, too. And why not throw Big Daddy in the mix for good measure.
Founders Double Trouble was the last Double/Imperial IPA that I really liked. Unfortunately I haven't seen it in years. Great Lakes Nosferatu Imperial Red IPA is probably my current favorite. I drink one or two a year when in season. I'm not a fan of IPA in general, unless it's British, of which I never see any of, except the occasional Samuel Smith India Ale. I guess you can add Dogfish Head 90 min to the list, as I'll drink that if it's the best offering on tap to choose from?
