This one really needs no introduction, but I will say that Pliny the Elder is often regarded as the best Imperial IPAs in the craft beer scene. I've had it once on draft in Portland, OR and remember it being quite impressive. Thought I'd pick up a bottle today while they are available and give it a more in-depth review. Pours a nice clear golden amber color. Nice skim of big white bubbles, solid lacing, and nice legs; great, classic looking Imperial IPA. This thing is just exploding with hop aroma. The snifter is sitting about three feet from me right now and it is the only thing I can smell. It has a beautifully clean citrus hop aroma. Getting some pineapple, orange, lemon, and just an all-around perfect blend of citrus/tropical hop varieties. Even getting some pine and some wood. Very sweet honey malt to balance it all out.
Hits the tongue with some caramel and bread malt before exploding with hops. Has a very whole hop flavor to it; by which I mean it is reminiscent of chewing on a hop cone. Not getting a ton of the citrus or tropical fruit but definitely more of the pine. Has a sharp, astringent hop bitterness in the finish. The 8% alcohol is masked very well. Thin body. Pretty strong carbonation; a little tingly. Oily.
Very good stuff. Would have to say that the aroma wins over anything else on this one. A fine Imperial IPA and definitely worthy of the praise.
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