hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Imperial Centennial IPA

Tap to rate

Imperial Centennial IPA joined the range in 2026 as a stronger take on Centennial IPA, brewed to 9.2 percent with the same single hop and the same grist of Golden Promise, Munich and crystal malts. The aroma is denser: grapefruit, orange and pine lead, with a note of bubblegum behind them. Smooth caramel malt carries the body, bitterness is moderate, and the finish is lightly sweet and noticeably warming.

ABV
9.2%
Bitterness
Very bitter65 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
citrusypineycaramel
citrusy
piney
caramel
bubblegum
malty
fruity
Aroma
The nose opens with bold citrus notes—grapefruit and orange peel dominate—layered beneath a resinous pine character.
also:hoppy
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Imperial Centennial IPA

◎ Appearance

Deep golden amber with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that clings to the glass in delicate rings. The body carries sufficient depth of color characteristic of the Double IPA style, while carbonation appears lively and well-integrated.

deep golden amberpersistent headbright clarity

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with bold citrus notes—grapefruit and orange peel dominate—layered beneath a resinous pine character. A subtle bubblegum note emerges on closer inspection, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the hop-forward profile without compromising the beer's assertive aromatic presence.

citrus-forwardresinous pinebubblegum sweetness

◐ Taste

The palate enters with a smooth caramel maltiness from the Golden Promise, Munich, and crystal malt base, grounding the beer's higher alcohol content. Bitterness remains moderate and integrated—approximately 65 IBU—allowing the hop character to shine without overwhelming; the single Centennial hop varietal delivers a clean, measured finish to the mid-palate.

smooth caramel maltmoderate bitternessclean hop presence

◑ Finish

The finish extends with a lightly sweet character that lingers, accompanied by a noticeable warming sensation from the 9.2% ABV. The aftertaste remains dry and slightly resinous, fading gradually without sharp edges.

lightly sweetwarming alcoholdry fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
81
Appearance
83
Finish
80
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.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Imperial Centennial IPA

More from Founders Brewing Co.

All Day Haze
All Day Haze
Session IPA
4.9%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
All Day IPA
All Day IPA
Session IPA
4.7%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
All Day Peach
All Day Peach
Session IPA
4.7%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
All Day Tropics
All Day Tropics
Session IPA
4.7%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
All Day West Coast
All Day West Coast
Session IPA
4.7%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Azacca IPA
Azacca IPA
IPA
7.0%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Backwoods Bastard
Backwoods Bastard
Scotch Ale
11.0%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
CBS
CBS
Imperial Stout
11.7%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →

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 citrusy, piney, caramel character as Imperial Centennial 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 →