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Suruga Bay Imperial IPA

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Suruga Bay Imperial IPA opens like a firework across the palate — hop character so pronounced it holds every moment, yet bright and effervescent rather than bruising. The complexity unfolds without confusion: bitterness, flavour and aroma work as one, each layer distinct without competing. At 8.5 percent the alcohol stays low enough to let the hops breathe; at 90 IBU the bitterness reads fresh and vivid rather than blunt. An IPA for the evening, when you want to sit with one glass and watch it change.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter90 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
pale gold4
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppyresinousfloral
hoppy
resinous
floral
citrusy
Aroma
The nose is immediately gripped by noble hop character—floral and resinous layers unfold without harshness, backed by subtle citrus and a whisper of clean malt.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Suruga Bay Imperial IPA

◎ Appearance

Pale golden with excellent clarity and fine carbonation that catches the light. The head forms quickly and clings to the glass with persistent lacing, signalling the beer's structural integrity and hop oils at work.

pale goldencrystal clearfine carbonationpersistent lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose is immediately gripped by noble hop character—floral and resinous layers unfold without harshness, backed by subtle citrus and a whisper of clean malt. The hop presence is pronounced but never aggressive, inviting repeated inhalation.

floral hopsresinouscitrus notesclean malt backbone

◐ Taste

Hop bitterness enters the palate with vivid clarity and builds steadily across the mid-palate, supported by a crisp, dry body that keeps the beer effervescent despite its Imperial scale. The 90 IBU register as fresh and articulate rather than punishing, allowing subtle resinous and citrus flavours to remain distinct throughout.

hop-forwardcrisp dry bodyarticulate bitternessfull-bodied

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and long, with lingering hop bitterness and resinous notes that slowly fade without becoming astringent. A subtle warming from the 8.5% alcohol emerges only at the very end, never dominating the close.

long finishlingering hop bitternesswarming alcohol
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
86
Finish
88
Serve at 8–11°C

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

Tulip glass

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

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Suruga Bay Imperial IPA

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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 hoppy, bitter, crisp character as Suruga Bay Imperial IPA will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Imperial IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse Japan beers →