Tasting: March 23, 2012
Style: Imperial IPA (2X)

I mentioned in an earlier posting that monks would mark barrels with “crosses” to indicate alcoholic strength. It would be – one cross for regular strength, two for a double and so on. English brewers used a similar system and marked barrels with an “x”. Here again, each progressive “x” indicated an increase in strength. Shipyard Brewing out of Maine brews English-style ales and has taken a stab at their own version of a “xxxx” IPA. Since the label indicates an ABV of 9.25% — they seem to be in the ballpark with strength.

In English-style ales, we find a strong malt character and minimal hop profile. I suspect that this one will be much hoppier and less malty than their English cousin. Like many other American breweries – I think it can be safe to say that this is an “Americanization” of English style. I can say that with confidence knowing that they’ve used the very citrus hop – cascade. Pours a rusty color — very grainish/ether aroma. First sip is all bready grain and fruit yeast. Also get some butterscotch — diacetyl – not good. Then some very bitter citrus hops crash the party. Very disjointed — off flavors. Sorry, I can’t start my weekend on this note – 72 points.