Three Floyd’s Brewing Company- Arctic Panzer Wolf: More like Arctic Panzer Puppy.

Three Floyd’s is considered by many to be one of America’s best breweries. You will find very few craft beer junkies who leave this Indiana brewery off their top ten list, myself included. They produce some beers with a cult-like following including Gumball Head, Alpha King and they almost platinum like hard to get Darklord. Artic Panzer Wolf falls into this category, it is limited release and not always easy to come by in Chicago. Sometimes you eat the wolf and sometimes the wolf eats you.

Artic Panzer Wolf is an American Double/ Imperial IPA that pours surprisingly lightly into my glass. It is a pale citrine hue with a blanket of white foam and a slightly above average amount of carbonation. The aroma is intoxicating (no pun intended) with a sweet roasted malt simmer that pairs with a biscuity punch. Let me just say that this brew does not smell anything like you think based off its light appearance. It smells freaking amazing.

I was really surprised at how hoppy this beer was since there is really no trace of hops in the nose. Artic Panzer Wolf does have the sweetness that many IIPA’s boast but the hops are the star here. It finishes dry and with nice, sweet hint of citrus. For a beer with an ABV this high, this brew is dangerously smooth. Well being good it no longer stands out in an ever burgeoning IIPA market. Five years ok Three Floyd’s may have had a killer brew here, but now Artic Panzer Wolf is no longer the Alpha Dog.

ABV: 9.0%

Consumed: Sensory Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack

Three Floyds Brewing Company- Arctic Panzer Wolf: An Assault On Your Senses

You can’t beat a good hook-up beer.  This next offering is a gift brew from the amazing Dale Lewis of Finnegan’s Irish Pub fame.  I highly enjoy craft beers from Three Floyds and their Alpha King is one of my all time favorites.  A few months back I heard about a beer from Three Floyds Brewing Company called “Arctic Panzer Wolf” and instantly knew that I had to get my hands on some.  It is my understanding that this beer was originally offered at their brewpub on tap and eventually made on to local store shelves this past May.  I really had to have it based on the name alone; Arctic Panzer Wolf is by far one of the best Craft Beer names I have ever heard.  Hopefully what’s inside is as amazing as what is on the outside.

Three Floyds Brewing Company classifies this brew as an Imperial India Pale Ale (IIPA) and Arctic Panzer Wolf is described as, “A dry and stupendously hopped medium bodied Imperial IPA brewed with Canadian two-row malt, dextrose sugar and lots of American hops. Arctic Panzer Wolf has superior aromas of marmalade, white wine, pine and apricot all mixed with an intense American hop bitterness.”

Arctic Panzer Wolf pours a golden/yellow color with a ½” off white head and shares aromas of hops, candied sugar, floral hops and an ever so slight hint of butterscotch and is 9% ABV.

Right from the start this brew hits you with a mortar of wonderful aromas.  One of my favorite things about Three Floyds is that you can always tell that you are drinking a Three Floyds brew.  They have a very consistent and distinctive flavor all while each of their brews having their own character that make them standouts in their varied styles.  Arctic Panzer Wolf continues the tradition of kick-ass, unique brews that come from the folks at Three Floyds.  The flavor is consistent from start to finish, armed with a tangy hop bite throughout with a touch of citrus.  I sense no sweetness whatsoever, which is fine by me.  My initial knowledge of the Panzer was like most, a fierce German tank famous during WWII.  I’d have to say that if I were going to a beer war, Arctic Panzer Wolf will definitely be in my arsenal.

ABV: 9.0%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack