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Fiddlehead Imperial IPA

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Fiddlehead's Imperial IPA from Vermont pulls no punches at 9.2% and 90 IBU—intense citrus and tropical hop character arrive with serious, unapologetic bitterness and a warming alcohol that builds steadily. This is a beer for those who want their hops to mean business, best shared among people who understand.

ABV
9.2%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppycitrusytropical
hoppy
citrusy
tropical
fruity
herbal
piney
Aroma
The nose is immediately dominated by assertive citrus and tropical hop aromatics, with pronounced grapefruit and pine notes layered throughout.
also:orange
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Fiddlehead Imperial IPA

◎ Appearance

Fiddlehead displays a pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a bright, luminous quality characteristic of the style. A thick, creamy white head forms upon pour and exhibits impressive retention, with fine lacing clinging to the glass. Carbonation is vigorous and well-integrated, creating an inviting visual presentation.

pale goldenclearthick white headwell-carbonated

◌ Aroma

The nose is immediately dominated by assertive citrus and tropical hop aromatics, with pronounced grapefruit and pine notes layered throughout. Resinous hop character mingles with subtle spicy undertones, creating a complex and invigorating bouquet. Gentle warming alcohol is detectable in the background without being obtrusive.

citrus-forwardpine and resintropical fruitspicy hops

◐ Taste

The palate delivers a bold, full-bodied assault of bitterness that builds progressively from entry through mid-palate, with grapefruit and citrus flavors perfectly complementing the 90 IBUs. Resinous, piney hop notes create a dry, grippy mouthfeel, while tropical fruit undertones add welcome complexity. The 9.2% ABV provides warming alcohol character that enhances rather than overwhelms the hop profile.

intensely bitterresinouscitrus-drivenfull-bodied

◑ Finish

The finish is long and persistently dry, with lingering bitterness and resinous hop notes fading gradually. Warming alcohol leaves a pleasant, albeit pronounced, heat that characterizes the Imperial IPA style.

dry and bitterlingeringwarming finish
87
hopIQ score
Aroma
88
Taste
87
Appearance
85
Finish
86
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 Fiddlehead Imperial IPA

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About Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Double 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 Double IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, citrusy, tropical character as Fiddlehead 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 Double IPA beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →