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Alley Hop Imperial IPA

Birra Bellazzi
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🌍 Italy · Imperial IPA · One of 24 Imperial IPAs in hopIQ

Bellazzi's maximal statement in hop brewing — an Imperial IPA dry-hopped to excess with a rotating selection of American and New World varieties. Deep gold with a dense white head; the nose is an assault of tropical fruit, fresh pine resin and citrus peel barely contained by the high alcohol. The palate is intensely bitter and complex with tropical hop oils, a warming alcohol base and enough malt sweetness to prevent the bitterness from becoming harsh. At 90 IBUs and 9.5%, the Alley Hop is not a subtle beer.

ABV
9.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
See all Imperial IPA alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Taste structure· The backbone of the beer, regardless of style.
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
hopIQ take

Very dry and assertively bitter.

The malt sets the frame and lets the hops carry the flavour.

Wider bands mean we're less certain about the exact position.
Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another Imperial IPA.
Hop character
hoppy
tropical
citrusy
piney
resinous
orange
Malt character
malty
Fermentation & yeast
fruity
Compare with another beer →

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best Italian IPAs

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Alley Hop Imperial IPA

Appearance

Deep gold with excellent clarity and a dense, persistent white head that clings to the glass with fine lacing. The color reflects the high malt base underlying this assertive Imperial IPA, while the carbonation is brisk and well-integrated, supporting the foam structure throughout the drink.

deep golddense white headfine lacingbright clarity

Aroma

The nose is dominated by a wave of tropical fruit — mango, passion fruit, and stone fruit — layered with fresh pine resin and bright citrus peel. The high alcohol (9.5% ABV) is evident as a gentle warmth behind the hops, but does not overpower the assertive blend of American and New World hop character.

tropical fruitpine resincitrus peelhop-forwardalcohol warmth

Taste

The palate opens with intense bitterness and a complex cascade of tropical hop oils — tangerine, grapefruit, and resinous pine notes follow in succession. A solid malt foundation provides enough sweetness and body to balance the 80 IBUs, while the elevated alcohol adds structure without harshness, creating a full-bodied and warming sensation through the mid-palate.

intensely bittertropical hop oilsresinousfull-bodiedwarming alcohol

Finish

The finish is long and dry, with lingering bitterness and pine resin that gradually fades into a pleasant citrus aftertaste. The alcohol warmth persists gently, reinforcing the beer's substantial character without becoming astringent.

long dry finishlingering bitternesscitrus fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
84
Appearance
80
Finish
78
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Alley Hop Imperial IPA

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Alley Hop Imperial IPA

About Imperial IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Imperial IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar Imperial IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same tropical, hoppy, resinous character as Alley Hop Imperial IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other Imperial IPAs in hopIQ

Explore all Imperial IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse Italy beers →