Mikkeller 1000 IBU
1000 IBUs. Well, theoretical IBUs — Mikkeller employed enough hop extract to potentially reach that limit in theory. In the real world, the beer doesn’t nearly reach that level, but is still quite a hoppy and biting Double IPA. That said, it’s not quite the most bitter beer I’ve ever had. That honor goes to Rogue’s (formerly named) Brutal Bitter.
Mikkeller’s 1000 IBU is a beer that packs a large amount of grapefruit and piney resin, but also incorporates a solid malt presence to help temper the higher level of hops. In addition, the beer weighs in at 9.6% ABV making it a sizable one to take on.
Appearance
A light tan and dense head dropped slowly over the deep amber liquid. There is a ridiculous amount of lacing left along the glass.
Aroma
Loads of chewy pine resin, grapefruit, underlying caramel and a light level of malt sweetness. Smells surprisingly balanced for a beer named 1000 IBU.
Taste
Again, the level of malt within the hoppy depths of this beer is a welcome surprise. Caramel sweetness, grapefruit and a ton of pine resin fill the mouth immediately. So, it’s a bitter beer, but not as biting as I was expecting. It’s certainly not as astringent and Rogue’s Brutal Bitter and I’ve venture to say that Lagunitas’ Hop Stoopid has it beat as well. It’s still a beer that packs a solid hop punch and will definitely be a bit too much for those not fans of big IPAs. The thing about this brew, as well, is that it’s not completely one dimensional like those other examples. It’s actually quite layered with it’s flavors.
Overall
I knew going into this beer that it was sort of gimmicky. Most of the bigger beers in today’s market pretty much have to have some sort of gimmick to get the attention they need to sell. What was surprising about Mikkeller’s 1000 IBU was just how layered and well balanced it was. I was expecting a beer that was solely one-dimensional in terms of just unloading a pile of hop bitterness and nothing else. But, that’s not what happens here. It’s a darn good beer and i’m glad that I tried it out, but there are IPAs out there that I still prefer over this tasty treat.
Rating: 3.75/5
