Flying Dog Centennial Single Hop Imperial IPA 2012
I first tried a sample of this Centennial only Imperial IPA, back in August of last year. I loved it back then and I love it now. Flying Dog’s 2012 version of the beer is nearly spot on when compared to that of last year. It’s still packed full of hoppy, fruit juicy goodness, but it feels as though they’ve packed even more into this year’s batch.
Appearance
Just like last year, the beer pours golden amber with a large stack of foam that showed impressive resiliency.
Aroma
Grapefruit, orange, tangerine, citrus peel and a healthy dose of pine resin are in the forefront while a light, caramel malt character rests in the background.
Taste
This time around, there feels like there’s a good deal more tropical citrus and pineapple within this Imperial IPA’s depths than the 2011 version, but maybe that’s because I haven’t been drinking too many IPAs the past month or so. At any rate, waves of fruit juice, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, pine resin and a light malt sweetness arrive immediately and wash over the tongue smoothly to the lingering finish. There you’re treated with a moderate level of hop bitterness that grabs the back of the tongue gently and holds on a good while.
Overall
The key here, at least when it comes to a beer as specific as this Single Hop series is turning out to be, is consistency. I’d wager a pint that if I were to enjoy this bottle along with a fresh bottle of last year (time travel permitting, of course) I’d be hard pressed to pick out a glaring difference. My notes are spot on between the two versions and I think any differing elements are merely mild perception changes. This is still an outstanding brew.
Rating: 4.25/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
