Reviewing the Great Dane Imperial IPA from the Great Dane Pub And Brewing Company. This is my favorite beer that they make, and it's my go to brew whenever I am at their Hilldale location chomping down some of Madison's finest foods from an incredibly versatile menu.Score: 88
Fresh 20 oz tap pour served in an imperial pint glass and enjoyed on 03/21/12. Review is from notes.
Appearance: Light copper color that falls closer to translucent on the transparent/translucent scale. Served with no head save for an off-white ring around the glass. Below average lacing, above average retention. 3.5/5
Smell: Pines, orange citrus, caramel malt, lemon, earth and spiced rye. Hint of floral hops. 3.5/5
Taste: Earthy hops up front, followed by sticky orange citrus and sharp lemon zest. There is a heavy caramel malt backbone to this brew. Heavy doese of bitter hops linger on the midpalate. Barley malt and biscuity malt flavor present too. This is a very hoppy malt bomb of an imperial IPA, but it's not overly extreme. Some warming effect on the palate, but I would not call this one boozy. To the contrary, it is incredibly drinkable, though a bit of a sipper, and the ABV really sneaks up on you if you are not careful. 4/5
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Oily mouthfeel. Dry and bitter finish.
Overall: A super solid microbrew from one of my favorite places in Madison to eat. I will surely miss this beer when I move this summer. This one is only served at the Hilldale branch of the Dane, but it should be served at all of them!
Recommendation: If heavy doses of malts and hops are not your thing, you probably want to avoid this beer. IPA lovers, however, should absolutely order a glass while in town.
Pairings: The Great Dane's Pub Burger or their Nakoma Nachos.
Cost: $5.50 for a 20 oz pour or $4.50 for a 12 oz glass.
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