New Glarus IIPA – Imported from Wisconsin
Should you find your way up to America’s Dairyland, put Wisconsin’s New Glarus Brewing on your short list. Currently these folks don’t export their beers across state lines, so you’ll need to go there yourself or befriend a cheesehead to act as your beer smuggler. Part of the brewery’s “unplugged” series, this particular Imperial IPA may be limited enough that you won’t see it again. But, even though New Glarus never promises to bring back unplugged beers, many make a yearly showing albeit with slight changes than last year’s recipe.
This IIPA is a good one, with a slightly more subtle hop signature than many of this style. This allows more of the maltiness to come through and mingle with the alcohol character of the beer. It pours a bit more amber than many IPAs, and has maybe less citrus than I prefer. I think the brewmaster wanted to show off the malt selection of this one and it does take center stage nicely. I enjoyed this beer with dinner: a Chicago Dog from just south of the border with extra spicy sport peppers. It was a righteous pairing. Another note about New Glarus worth mentioning – if you like sour Lambic beers, this is your brewery. They own the category and they make some fantastic Cherry and fruit Lambics. I will be sure to share musings about them as soon as I crack one a few from my latest anonymously sourced shipment. Until then, cheers!
Kevin
