Review - Boston Beer Company's Sam Adams Imperial Double Bock
"Newest in our line, the Double IPA is the big brother to our Jamaica Sunset IPA. Maltier, hoppier and more assertive, this one is for big beer lovers. Double IPA is one of the hottest new beer styles in the micro and regional beer market.
English brewers made their original India Pale Ales strong and hoppy to preserve it for the long sea voyage to the troops in India. Legend has it that the officers kept the full strength brew for themselves while the troops received their daily rations watered down! Enjoy yours full strength at your local tap house or look for it at your favorite retailer in six packs coming early Fall 2006. " -- Mad River Brewing
Pours a medium caramel color and produces very little head with just a slight film on top with a white fizzy texture. Settled, it has very little activity in the body and a similar caramel color to the pour. Clarity is mostly clear. The nose initially detects a sweet sugary malt presence. The aroma isn't too dominant. Along with the malts, a moderate alcohol presence was noted. Initial taste is loaded with caramel malts that have a faint backbone of alcohol. The malt density thins a bit towards the finish but remain harshly sweet. Soft with carbonation, the medium bodied Double Bock is lightly watery - but leaves a oily presence on our palate. The alcohol presence was warming - but not burning - but it was strong. Our mouth was left slightly damaged - but not too bad.
The Imperial White seems a bit more complex than this Double Bock. This is rather sweet, but light. Smooth and washes down very quick. I'm sure that the 9.5% will sneak up on you before you realize it.
Reviewed on August 20th, 2009.
