Widmer Brothers: Nelson Imperial IPA (2012)
- Details
- Written by T. Rake
I've anointed this one the official beer of dad jazz. Packing a hearty 8.6% ABV there is a determination at play here which never betrays the subtitles therein. Bitter and hoppy as expected, but each leaning towards an objective.
There is a heft to each dram which certainly does live up its name without stooping to a braggart's lot. Foremost, a regal taste which exceeds the capacity of an everyday ale, but capitalizes on its name sake's [possibly Horatio Nelson] unconventional tactics at sea [but just as probable those hippies in Portland were thinking of the Red Headed Stranger].
Too often fancy pants IPAs repeatedly push the 'flowery' button leaving one gasping for air. This brew is swinging but well balanced from first sip to last. Strategically sold in 4-packs to accent this specialty brew's stature.
Pairs well with Lennie Niehaus, Oliver Nelson and Shorty Rogers.