New Holland Brewing Company- Imperial Hatter: This Hatter Is Mad Delicious

This is another one of my many IPAs picked up a few weeks back and it otherwise would have remained in the fridge until it’s time but Wes shot me over a text that stated, “Holy F*@k I’m in love with that  Imperial Hatter from New Holland!”  This kind of praise is worthy of me stopping everything and sitting down to analyze this Wes boasting brew.  I have to say that I’m on a string of Michigan brews that has me thinking about relocating to this Craft Brew haven.  Let’s see if Imperial Hatter IPA from New Holland Brewing Company is all that Wes claims it to be.

New Holland Brewing Company classifies this brew as an Imperial IPA and their website describes Imperial Hatter as, “A robust renovation of the India Pale Ale. Assertive dry-hoppying provides an aromatic telltale nose, indicative of the bitter symphony to follow. Bold hop character with lively grapefruit and citrus notes.”  Imperial Hatter is part of New Holland Brewing Co’s “The High Gravity Series.”

Imperial Hatter pours an amber/copper color with a ½” khaki colored head and had an abundant floral hop aroma with an ever so slight caramel sweetness and is a big 9.4% ABV.

Wes was spot on.  This is a mind blowing Imperial IPA that is in a class all its own.  I’m not even sure where to begin.  Wes stated, “and yeah that Imperial is a F*@king beast.  It might be my new Greatest Beer Of All Time.”  I have to say that by far this is (at this point) the greatest Imperial IPA I have ever had.  This is not to be taken lightly as Imperial Hatter is pure Craft Beer perfection.  It is beyond balanced as it starts with a subtle malt sweetness and transitions to a grapefruit medium bite and finishes with a return of a faint caramel malt sweetness that is smooth and leaves a hop taste that lingers in the background.  At 9.4% ABV, there is almost no hint whatsoever that this beer is this strong as it is that smooth.  Tim Burton & Johnny Depp have nothing on this Hatter, skip asking Alice or chasing rabbits…this brew will make you feel 10 feet tall.

ABV: 9.4%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Keg

New Holland Brewing Company- Imperial Hatter IPA: Fall down the rabbit hole!

 

I’m ashamed that I did not drink more brews from New Holland Brewery when I used to live in Michigan. The more beers that I try from these guys the more impressed I get. Tonight’s offering is Imperial Hatter IPA, which is part of the “High Gravity Series.” I assume they call this high gravity because it will knock your ass on the floor so quickly. Also, yes high gravity means higher alcohol content, I know this beer nerds, save your angry emails.   

Imperial Hatter pours just a shade lighter then amber, a burnt orange if you will. It has a sharp toasted hop punch that rams its way up your nostrils. This powerful brew also boasts a sweet citrus underside to compliment a cream colored head and a medium carbonation level. The flavor is a joy to behold. This beer is dry hopped and that really adds to the amazing hop bite. It has a slightly understated sweetness that merges with an in your face hops blast. The interesting thing is that it finishes slightly dry and a little grainy. Damn, this beer is freaking delicious.

Imperial IPAs (Or double IPAs as they are often called) are an American Craft brewing phenomenon. They often boast astronomical ABVs and amazingly biting IBUs. This might be the high water mark in my experience. Imperial Hatter has something for everyone and is a must try goliath in the swelling Imperial IPA demographic. This beer has single-handedly made me decide to make my next homebrew an Imperial IPA. I just hope I can do this justice. Get some! Now!

ABV: 9.4%

Consumed: Pint Glass

Verdict: Buy a Keg!