hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

The Liberator

Tap to rate

Fruity, floral and piney hop flavors run through a caramelized malt profile in this full-bodied double IPA, which finishes bitter thanks to lemon and orange zest added after fermentation. Hops go into the boil every four minutes for 120 minutes: the original Bellaire batch used 42 lbs, Elk Rapids batches up to 138. 8.5% ABV, 95 IBU.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Very bitter95 IBU
Resinous hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
fruitypineyfloral
fruity
piney
floral
hoppy
caramel
citrusy
Aroma
The nose leads with vibrant citrus notes of lemon and orange zest, complemented by pronounced floral and piney hop character.
not found:juicy,roasted,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for The Liberator

◎ Appearance

The Liberator presents a pale golden hue with a light amber undertone, reflecting its modest SRM of 9. The beer maintains good clarity with a generous, creamy head that demonstrates persistent lacing throughout the drinking experience. Carbonation appears well-integrated, creating a fine, sustained foam collar.

pale goldencreamy headpersistent lacingbright clarity

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant citrus notes of lemon and orange zest, complemented by pronounced floral and piney hop character. Beneath the aggressive hop profile, caramelized malt notes provide warmth and depth, with a subtle fruity undertone that rounds the overall aromatic profile without overwhelming the dominant noble hop signature.

citrus zestpiney Edelhopfenfloralcaramel sweetness

◐ Taste

Entry is full-bodied and fruity, with the caramelized malt base establishing a solid foundation before the hop bitterness asserts itself. The mid-palate balances bitter pine resin and citric bite against sweet malt character, while the aggressive 95 IBU bittering schedule—with hops added every four minutes—creates a complex, layered sensation. Finish turns decidedly bitter with lingering lemon and orange zest impressions.

full-bodiedbitter pine resincaramel backbonecitrus bite

◑ Finish

The finish is long and uncompromisingly bitter, with lemon and orange zest lingering well into the aftertaste. The bitterness remains pleasant rather than harsh, fading gradually as subtle fruitiness and malt sweetness resurface.

long bitter finishcitrus aftertaste
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
84
Appearance
78
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 The Liberator

More from Short's Brewing Company

Autumn Ale
Autumn Ale
Extra Special Bitter
5.6%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Bellaire Brown
Bellaire Brown
American Brown Ale
7%·Lightly bitter
Find matches →
ControversiALE
ControversiALE
American IPA
6.6%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Cup A Joe
Cup A Joe
Milk Stout
8%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Freedom of '78
Freedom of '78
American IPA
7.5%·Strongly bitter
Find matches →
Good Humans
Good Humans
Brown Ale
8.3%·Noticeably bitter
Find matches →
Goodnight Bodacious
Goodnight Bodacious
Black IPA
11.2%·Very bitter
Find matches →
Hopstache
Hopstache
American IPA
6.8%·Very 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 fruity, full-bodied, piney character as The Liberator 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 →