Imperial Force


Brewery and Country of Origin: Custom Brewcrafters of 300 Village Square Boulevard, Honeoye Falls, NY, 14472, USA

Date Reviewed: 12-03-12

Though the India Pale Ale has been with us for nearly two centuries, it continues to amaze beer enthusiasts in its varied magnificence. Since the style was first distinguished as a unique sub style of pale ales mostly popular in England in 1835, it has transformed and spread its influence (much like England) across the Globe. Depending on who you ask, the story behind this once niche style-turned global varies considerably. For the purposes of this website, we'll give you some random facts. First, Hops along with alcohol (ethanol) are a natural preservative. Back in the mid 19th century, refrigeration was still a primitive technology (American John Gorrie got his patent for a mechanical ice making machine in 1856), and the shippers of the East India Company needed to distribute (and occasionally imbibe) beer which had a longer shelf life than other conventional styles. Thanks to the natural preserving powers of the Hops flowers, the specialty export style later known as IPAs quickly became the preferred style for the East India Company and other megacorporations. The IPA also became the style of choice for those who drank it when it finally completed its voyage to India. Along with the heavy use of hops, the choice of water for the beer became very important. Burtonization is a process of adding gypsum (either naturally or deliberately) to the water used in brewing. This additive enhances the flavor and aromatic properties of hops, and overall, the beer becomes more crisp, refreshing, and exhibits properties desired by brewers and drinkers for beers favoring the use of hops. This gave the style an advantage over many others. The economic climate (losing business in Russia due to tarrifs, and failed brewery mergers in England) also helped catalyze the development of the IPA into a mainstream style. The style also became very popular among the English, with breweries producing the beer for domestic consumption in as early as 1840. Early IPAs were only slightly more alcoholic than most ales of the time (not always), and much more attenuated than the ales, reds, and porters which were also popular in England back then.
Date Sampled: 11-22-12 At: 146 Fiddlers Hollow, Penfield, NY, 14526, USA
Beer Style: American IPA
Alcohol by Volume: 5.00%
Serving Type: Brewery Growler, 16 oz Mug Glass
Rating: 3.97

Look

Pile Driver pours choppy with a medium high level of carbonation action, giving it a two thirds inch foam head with an average amount of retention. The head is of an average density. The beer has a nice shine in the light with a rich amber color, and a clear, filtered appearance.

Aroma

The fairly tall foam head gives this beer a strong hoppy aroma with a subtle secondary malty character, keeping this beer in balance. The hoppy profile is strong and almost nostril clearing, but flavor enhancing, not overpowering.

Feel

This beer has a medium light body with a matching weight, and an average viscosity for the style. This beer is somewhat airy with a medium high amount of carbonation, and no sediment is detectable. A crisp and dry finish delivers a cool and refreshing close.

Taste

This IPA tastes like it should. Very bitter, but not too strong, and kept in somewhat balance by a small amount of sweet malty flavor toward the beginning of the tasting profile. This beer is a great compliment for lighter dishes, and closes with a moderately lingering bitter aftertaste and dry finish.

Our Take

Though the origins of the IPA may not be clear, at least we can be certain about one thing: we are very greatful for the style's existance. After the IPA spread to the US, many breweries, especially smaller craft breweries took advantage of its strong, defined bitter qualities. As a testiment to this style's constant metamorphosis, Custom Brewcrafters has created an IPA with a more balanced approach to flavor. Yes, this is still a very hoppy beer, and most pale ale lovers will get their kicks with the Pile Driver, but this isn't going to make those who aren't bitter people (hops, not hatred) cringe in tears with overpowering character. This beer's traditional aspects are kept in thorough check by a subtle, but definitely noticeable sweet malty beginning, which fades off into what's familiar to the IPA drinker. A moderately dry finish ends this beer with no undesired curiosity, and a good amount of associated crispness leaves you wanting more. This is a very good beer, not just because it tastes and smells great, but because it is seemingly engineered with balance at the top of the priority list. This beer actually feels like it was brewed with not just the IPA tradition in mind. A clean finish, good balance, and robust flavor are highlights for this clear winner.