Today I bring to you the Maximus India Pale Ale, from the Lagunitas Brewing Company in California. It is categorized as an Imperial IPA, or Double IPA (DIPA), and is available, at least in my neck of the woods, only in these 22 oz bottles.
I picked up this bad boy at my local ABC Fine Wine & Spirits after a very hot and steamy day at work last week. I have grown fond of IPA's as thirst quenchers, and I must say that this one did an admirable job.
It pours a dark orange-amber with great, white, creamy head. The lacing it leaves is scant but the head pops right back up after a good swirl. It looks good in my big ass mug, thats for sure.
The nose is very malty with a good dose of hoppy citrus, but it is under the malt, although not by much. It sure has alot more caramel notes than expected. Or maybe I was just expecting a hop bomb and the sheer presence of malt threw me for a loop... There's a certain equilibrium to the smells coming from this beer.
Once you taste this beer you realize how balanced it is. Malt vs. hops in a never-ending battle. You get piney citrus hop in front of a solid caramel malt middle, followed by a hoppy, oily, resin finish. The 7.5% abv is so well hidden that I had to conciously look for it to find it. Even the little aftertaste there is is a seesaw of hops and malt.
This beer is a well made and amazingly balanced overload of hops and malt. The flavors dance on your tongue on the way down. It is strong but very easy drinking and, because of all that, quite possibly one of the most interesting beers I have ever had. It is a treat for sure and I highly recommend it. A solid Glass 1/2 FULL if not more. See for yourselves and enjoy. Cheers!
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