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Freak of Nature

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Intense dank and citrus aromas drive Freak of Nature, an 8.5% imperial IPA. Centennial, Chinook, Columbus and Warrior go into the brew, then Amarillo, Centennial, Columbus and Simcoe are dry-hopped on top, over a malt bill built on 2 Row and Crystal Light, fermented with California ale yeast. It was first bottled at the Wicked Weed West production brewery. Silver at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival, Imperial India Pale Ale category.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
PaceSipper

AWARDS

Silver · 2021
Great American Beer Festival
Imperial India Pale Ale
★Silver — Great American Beer Festival (Imperial India Pale Ale)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
dankhoppycitrusy
dank
hoppy
citrusy
resinous
piney
malty
Aroma
The nose opens with a striking intensity of dank, resinous hop character backed by sharp citrus notes—particularly grapefruit and orange zest.
not found:juicy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Freak of Nature

◎ Appearance

Freak of Nature presents a pale golden hue with exceptional clarity and a bright, inviting appearance. The head forms thick and persistent, with fine carbonation evident throughout. Lacing clings steadily to the glass as you drink, marking the beer's well-integrated mouthfeel.

pale goldenclearpersistent headfine carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with a striking intensity of dank, resinous hop character backed by sharp citrus notes—particularly grapefruit and orange zest. Woody, piney undertones emerge from the Centennial and Chinook bases, while the dry-hop blend adds layers of herbal complexity. A clean, neutral malt backdrop allows the hops to dominate without interference.

dank, resinouscitrus-forwardpiney, herbalhop-driven

◐ Taste

Entry brings immediate hoppy intensity with pronounced pine and citrus notes that develop across the palate. Mid-palate reveals a full body with bracing bitterness balanced by subtle crystal malt sweetness, creating a dry, clean sensation. The 80 IBU sits assertively without becoming harsh, while herbal and orange notes linger throughout the tasting experience.

intensely hoppypiney, citrusfull-bodieddry finish

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and enduring, with resinous bitterness and herbal notes trailing long into the aftertaste. Warmth from the 8.5% ABV becomes apparent on the back palate without overwhelming the hop character.

long, bitter finishresinous aftertastecrisp
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
92
Taste
88
Appearance
87
Finish
85
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 Freak of Nature

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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 dank, hoppy, citrusy character as Freak of Nature will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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