I have seen several offerings from Wachusett in my area of northwest Connecticut as well as in bars and stores in the Boston area when visiting there. However I had no notes or recollection of ever having tried any of their brews. Perhaps it's because one of their signature ales is the Green Monsta IPA, and well you know, Yankees fan...Who says beer lovers can't be petty?
But as the New England weather gets cooler as we rush headlong into winter, I'm always on the lookout for new brews to try, especially strong ones that seem they would be able to keep you warm and fend off the chill. So when I came upon the Larry Imperial IPA from Wachusett in the striking black can, I was in.
Not sure who Larry is, or why he rates having his name on the can (none of the three founders are named Larry), but he is definitely someone they must think highly of. But that drew my attention as well. Very intriguing to name a beer after someone who is not a famous figure.
The other item on the can that caught my eye was the numbers. "8.5/85" is boldly emblazoned right under "Larry". It signifies the brew being 8.5% ABV and having an IBU of 85. How symmetric. With numbers like that this was a prime candidate for an ale to keep the cold of fall and winter at bay.
The first characteristic noted, as you can see above, is the deep golden color. As you can tell there is some cloudiness as this Imperial IPA is unfiltered. The next noticeable thing as the glass is raised is the aroma, as anticipated from the number ratings there is a very strong citrus scent as you would expect in such a hoppy brew. So far so good for an IPA fan looking to warm his cockles.
The first impression when tasting this beer matches the scent. There is a strong hop flavor. There is some bitterness of course (come on with 85 IBU what were you expecting?) The bitterness is not overpowering, but it does linger with the swallow and throughout the drinking of the glass.
Overall this tastes like a solid IPA, only more flavor and a touch more bitterness. The complex character and balance of the beer though does keep the bitterness in check. The final tasting note I made was simple and said it all for me: "Very tasty brew".
Larry Imperial IPA is not a session beer. You're not going to sit around and drink a six pack of cans at one sitting, even with a friend. At least not unless you're already at your final destination for the night. But if you want a strong, tasty, complex, hoppy IPA then open a bottle or pop open a can. You'll enjoy it.
I give Larry Imperial IPA from Wachusett Brewing 7 mugs out of 10.