This is a style I've been thinking about quite a bit lately. It is certainly not popular, but with how successful CDAs and now India-Style Red Ales are getting, it seems that the "India" would spread out to other styles (the most obvious one being the Brown). It pours a pretty-hazy blood orange color. Very small head upon pouring, but it seems to be holding quite well. Decent lacing. Actually, a strong carbonation seems to be creating a long-lasting, creamy head. Getting lots of sweet malt on the nose. Lots of rich caramel, warm biscuit, and subtle toast. Some dark, raisin-like esters are mixed in there. Hops are there but nothing too overwhelming. What I am picking up is a some pine/earthiness mixed with some citrus spice.
My first impression upon tasting is that it has a delicious malt profile. It's just toasty enough to let the sweet caramel shine through. This blends smoothly with some fruity esters and finishes off slightly bitter. Hops seem more bitter than flavorful. What I am picking up for hop flavors is rather herbal with a bit of spice and citrus. Some nice toast and herbal notes linger in the mouth. Little oily. Medium body.
I really like this, but I think it could just as appropriately be called an Imperial Brown Ale. Hops here are definitely prominent for a Brown, but I don't think it's right that the malt outshines the hops on an India-style beer. I think this is a style that might still need some tweaking, but I would most definitely drink the Flashback again.
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