Name – Nelson Imperial IPA
Country – United States
Type – American Double IPA

I’m just going to throw this out there.  I love Nelson Sauvin hops.  After my first introduction to the hops through a number of Funky Buddha beers I just love these.  The big grapefruit aroma and taste I get from them just makes me a happy beer geek.

So when I saw this new brew from Widmer Brothers on the shelf and it was called Nelson Imperial IPA I was intrigued.  Upon further reading it seems a healthy dose of Nelson Savin hops were indeed used in the making of this beer.  I was happy enough to find this bottle a new home.  And the contents of the bottle a new home too, in my stomach.

I poured the brew into a standard pint glass.  It was slightly hazy and a nice orange color.  There is a big white head that forms on top and does leave a little lacing on the glass.

Huge smell of the Nelson Sauvin hops.  Lots of grapefruit.  There are other citrus like orange that can be picked up.  And there is a good malt smell to it as well.

Ah the ever dreaded statement that the taste is a lot like the nose.  But really it is.  Trust me!  Lot’s of hoppy taste from the Nelson Sauvin hops and a very nice malt backing to it.

Was I satisfied?  You betcha!  This hop strain is just incredible.  The only thing I don’t like is that it’s from New Zealand so it’s not used all that often by American brewers.  But damn when they do is it good.

As for Widmer, I see a lot of people crap on them.  But with this new series of bigger beers I think they are showing they can really brew.  I had the Black IPA a week or so ago and enjoyed that one.  Good job guys!

So if you are a fan of the Kiwi hop variety or just like good well made DIPAs then do yourself a favor and get this one.

Grade – A