For today’s review, I want to sample a beer from a brewery, of which I have heard so much about, yet have not gotten around to trying anything that they produce.

The Three Floyds Brewery, located in Munster, Indiana, has a reputation of churning out a great product regardless of style, so I picked up the Dreadnaught Imperial IPA.  I figured I might as well start out with a monster of a beer!!!  

From the website, 3floyds.com, I found a description that gives me a slight heads up to let me know what I’m in for. 

A hophead’s dream beer.  This Imperial India Pale Ale has an opening salvo of mango, peach and citrus hop aromas that sit atop a pronounced caramel malt backbone.  Although Dreadnaught is a strong and intensely hoppy ale, its complex flavor is both smooth and memorable.

Let’s get it in a glass, shall we?

 
This Dreadnaught weighs in at 9.5% ABV and pours from a 22 oz. bottle.

At first, this brew poured a semi-clear, bright orange to peach color with a medium white head that was none too large and had only average retention.  The lacing however, coated the sides of the glass in the most delectable way and the cap settled to a patchy film across the top.  Lots of small bubbles rose from the bottom of the glass and as it warmed the semi-clear appearance became very clear and more defined to really let the beautiful color sparkle.

The aroma brought out an impressive array of peach and grapefruit citrus, but I also ascertained a sweet smelling tangerine note that helped uncover a fresh, perfumy, resinous smell that was clean and correct.  A minor, minuscule alcohol tone was stumbled on, however it was pushed way to the back and was only identified after several whiffs.

The taste unmasked a pronounced, lip puckering hop bitterness of sweet tangerine and grapefruit citrus.  Oh yeah!!!  Only a touch of caramel was found along with an observation of a bready/biscuit malt as it warmed a bit.  A conspicuous alcohol warmth was detected, but it was more than welcome and satisfying.  The taste was very well balanced, clean, fresh and complex.

The mouthfeel was medium and it felt sticky and smooth (if that is even possible) along with a crispness that couldn’t be denied.  Very, very dry with medium carbonation.  Tons of flavor is left on the palate just daring me to take another sip.

What a great brew!!!  My first Three Floyds did not disappoint.  This beer is super easy to drink and could be enjoyed or shall I say “thoroughly” enjoyed year round.  For a beer that is 9.5% ABV, it is darn near quaffable.  It would be no problem for me to make a night of this…. or two…. or three.  It’s, without a doubt, one I will pick up again and you should too if it’s available in your area.

As always, let me know what you think in the comments and thanks for reading.

Score:  4.4 out of 5
Grade:  A