Monday, July 6, 2015

Hopothetical Imperial Black IPA from Cliche' Brewing: You've read this review before

This is not your father's Imperial Black IPA.   Upon pouring, I detect aromas of freshly cut huckleberries, two-day old coffee, and alfalfa pollen.  It pours a jet black leaving moderately spaced lacing in the glass, reminiscent of a poorly knit sweater. I'm getting flavors of blueberry, blackberry, Sumatran espresso, guava, raspberry, barnyard hay, rose petals, pomegranate, sage, charcoal, tangerine, Chilean cocoa nibs, grapefruit rind, Italian black figs, mascarpone cheese and carob.

Cliche' Brewing brews Hopothetical Imperial Black IPA using gobs of Two-Row, Maris Otter, Munich, Caramel, Black Patent, and Chocolate malts.  They then add righteous amounts of Cascade, Magnum, Columbus, Simcoe, Centennial and Chinook hops.  It weighs in at an obscene, yet highly drinkable 11.6% abv with a whopping 117 ibu's.

Cliche' Brewing is the brainchild of Johnny Cliche', an avid home brewer who followed his passion turning his hobby into a business when he took the plunge and opened a brewery last year. Hopothetical Imperial Black IPA represents a milestone in another chapter of staying true to his roots. The release party for Hopothetical Imperial Black IPA was recently held at Cliche' Brewing's tap room, a cozy place with a relaxed vibe and friendly atmosphere. Johnny Cliche was exuberant, cheerfully proclaiming "Brewing beer is awesome! We love being a part of the great craft beer community! If you like beer, you'll love Hopothetical Imperial Black IPA!" Asked what's next up his sleeve in his bag of tricks for Cliche' Brewing's next release, he answered "Brewing beer is awesome! We love being a part of the great craft beer community! If you like beer, you'll love our next release!" The release party was epic and a wonderful time was had by all.

Life's to short to drink crappy beer, so do yourself a favor and run, don't walk to Cliche' Brewing and pick up this bad boy of a special treat. You'll be glad you did because it's awesome!

(This post was partially inspired by a recent discussion of beer cliche's over at Boak and Bailey.  I must admit this post resembles some of my prior writing all too well.)

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