An Imperial Ale, also known as a Double IPA, is a type of beer that is stronger and hoppier than the traditional American IPA. It is typically characterized by a higher abv (alcohol by volume), more hop bitterness, and a full-bodied malt flavor.
Imperial Ales often come with intense hop character and their ABV ranges from 8-12%, depending on the brewery. Imperial Ales are characterized by a bold, unique flavor that can vary depending on the style and the particular ingredients that were used in the brewing process.
In addition to the hop character, Imperial Ales often feature more complex malt flavors, such as bready notes or roasted caramel flavors. Some brewers may even age the beer in oak barrels, giving it an even more intense flavor.
Imperial Ales are usually higher in ABV than other styles, giving them a bolder, more potent flavor than most beers. As a result, these types of beers are creamy and full-bodied with a smooth finish.
What is an Imperial red IPA?
An Imperial Red IPA, sometimes referred to as an Imperial Red or Double Red Ale, is a style of India Pale Ale (IPA) that has a distinctive deep red color, robust flavor, and higher alcohol content than a standard IPA.
An Imperial Red IPA combines the bitterness of an American-style IPA with sweet, malty flavors often found in English ales. Imperial red IPAs are characterized by their rich, deep red color and their strong hop character.
The red color can be attributed to the caramel and crystal malts used during the brewing process, which provide the beer with a pleasing malty sweetness and a copper-red hue. The intense hop flavor and aroma are generated by using higher levels of hops than traditional, American-style IPAs.
The extra hops give Imperial red IPAs a juicy, citrusy, dankness that pairs wonderfully with the malty sweetness. This style of beer is typically high in alcohol and rich in flavor, offering a unique drinking experience.
What does imperial red ale taste like?
Imperial red ale typically has a deep amber to copper hue and an aroma of pine, herbs and citrus. The taste offers a full malt sweetness with nutty and caramel notes, and the hop bitterness is balanced by a hearty malt backbone.
The mouthfeel is usually medium-bodied with a warm, smooth finish. The flavor of the hops comes through with a blend of citrus, pine and resin. As the beer warms, a hint of malty sweetness with toffee flavors will develop.
Overall, imperial red ales have a strong hop bitterness, a notable malt profile, and an alcohol content that is often over 8% ABV.
Is Guinness a red ale?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively as Guinness can be seen as falling into multiple different ale categories. In terms of its ingredients, Guinness is a fairly classic Irish red ale – it is made with water, barley, hops, and yeast.
However, Guinness’s unique brewing process – which includes a lengthy secondary fermentation stage – means that it doesn’t necessarily fit neatly into any one brewing category. Some Guinness lovers would say that this unique process gives Guinness its distinctive flavor and makes it its own special category of ale, while others might argue that it disqualifies it from being considered a “true” red ale.
In the end, it’s up to the individual to decide whether they consider Guinness to be a red ale or not.
Why is it called red ale?
Red Ale is called red ale because of its reddish-amber hue. This hue is a result of the malts used to make the beer. These malts are usually pale and crystal malts, which give off a deep reddish-amber color when they are roasted.
Other malts, such as chocolate malts, may also be used to give the ale a more intense color. Roasting the malts also helps to develop fuller flavors, giving Red Ale its characteristic earthy, spicy, and caramel-like notes.
Hops are also used to provide a bitterness that balances the malt sweetness, giving the beer a pleasant balance and taste. Red Ales often have a slightly sweet finish, making them a popular choice for those seeking a malty and flavorful beer.
What is the difference between red ale and amber ale?
Red Ale and Amber Ale are both types of ales that can have subtle flavor, texture and color differences. Red Ale is typically characterized by a malty flavor and a reddish hue. Its hop bitterness is typically low and it tends to have the richest and fullest flavor of any ale.
Amber Ale, on the other hand, is usually characterized by a mix of malt and hop flavors, a medium hop bitterness and a golden to amber hue. Amber Ale is sometimes referred to as a “middle of the road” ale, since its flavor is not overly bitter or too sweet, but rather a harmonious balance of malt and hop flavor.
Color differences between the two styles can vary, but generally Red Ale will have a more orange-red hue and Amber Ale will range from a golden to light copper color.
What malt makes beer red?
Beer can take on a range of colors, with red being one of the most common shades. The hue of red in beer is typically created by the type of malt used in the brewing process. Maris Otter malt is a popular choice for red-colored beer, as it provides a deep, red hue and a slightly nutty flavor.
It also imparts a biscuity/malty, slightly sweet taste and is a great choice for Scottish-style ales. Other types of malt that can produce reddish-colored beer include Carared, Rye, and Roasted Barley.
Each type of malt displays a unique flavor profile and level of intensity, so it is important to consider the style of beer you are creating when choosing which type of malt to use. Additionally, the mash temperature can also impact the color, as higher temperatures will result in darker and richer hues.
In any case, Maris Otter malt is often considered the go-to choice for creating a beautiful, red-colored beer.
What does Imperial mean for beer?
Imperial beer is a specific style of beer that has a higher alcohol content and a more complex taste. As with most beer categories, it is thought that this style originated in England and is usually associated with English brewing.
This style of beer is traditionally brewed with a higher alcohol content, usually around 8% or more, as well as a fuller body and increased malt character. Generally, this style is considered to be sweeter, stronger and bolder than other beers.
Imperial beers can be dry or sweet and may contain a variety of additional ingredients that contribute to their complexity. The hops used in many imperial beers are deeper and more complex than those found in regular beers, and often have higher bitterness.
Due to the higher alcohol content, imperial beers tend to be robust and can be cellared for years. The complex nature of imperial beers makes them a good choice for pairing with food or for sipping alone.
They are often popular choices for beer festivals and craft beer bars.
Where do Imperial beers come from?
Imperial beers are brewed and bottled by Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua (CCN), a Nicaraguan brewery established in 1950. CCN produces a variety of beers including Imperial, a premium beer that is renowned across Central America.
Imperial is brewed using the highest quality ingredients, including specially selected malts, hops, water, and yeast. The brewing process is overseen by master brewers with years of experience creating premium beer.
Imperial is then packaged and distributed to bars, restaurants, and stores across the region. Additionally, Imperial is the official sponsor of Liga Primera de Nicaragua, the national soccer league. So, in conclusion, Imperial beers come from Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua in Nicaragua, which has been producing and distributing the beer since 1950.
Are imperial IPAs hoppy?
Imperial IPAs are known for being especially hoppy due to their high alcohol content and extra hops added for taste and balance. The hop bitterness in imperial IPAs differ from those of regular IPAs due to the much higher amount of hops added, which can range from 60 IBUs to upwards of 100 IBUs.
Imperial IPAs feature an intense hoppiness and citrusy, pine-like and floral hop flavors, as well as a strong malt backbone. Imperial IPAs also often come with a finish that is slightly sweet due to the increased hop bitterness and higher alcohol content.
All-in-all, Imperial IPAs are definitely hoppy beers, and much hoppier than their regular IPA cousins.
Is Imperial IPA strong?
Yes, Imperial IPAs are quite strong. Imperial IPAs usually range between 7-10% ABV (alcohol by volume) and can even reach as high as 20-25% ABV in some cases. This makes them significantly stronger than the average American IPA, which usually ranges between 5-7% ABV.
This style of IPA is also characterized by its intense hop flavors, which can include citrus, pine and fruity notes. Whereas many other IPAs are relatively balanced, Imperial IPAs tend to have a strong hop presence that is accompanied by strong malt and alcohol notes.
In short, Imperial IPAs are one of the strongest IPA styles and should be enjoyed responsibly.
