Big Ballard Imperial IPA

◎ Appearance

Deep golden body with excellent clarity and bright luminosity. The head forms quickly and maintains good retention, leaving fine Schaumkleiden down the glass as it subsides. Carbonation is lively and persistent.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with bright citrus and pine, backed by tropical fruit notes that suggest ripe mango and stone fruit. Beneath the hop-forward character lies subtle caramel sweetness from the Malz, with a resinous edge that carries through the volatiles.

◐ Taste

The palate enters with immediate bitterness and pronounced dryness, the six-variety hop bill driving a piney, citrus-forward profile. Mid-palate caramel notes provide momentary sweetness before the bitterness reasserts itself, building toward a lingering, dry finish. The 8.6 % ABV sits comfortably in the background.

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and hop-dominated, with a persistent bitterness and resinous aftertaste that lingers cleanly. The dryness intensifies on the palate, leaving no cloying sweetness behind.