Battery Steele Flume

Flume is an imperial IPA from Battery Steele in Maine, listed at 8.0% ABV and 70 IBU. That strength puts it a step above a standard IPA, and the bitterness figure is moderate for the style. The reference description points to a hazy, juicy, hop-forward profile with tropical fruit and a creamy mouthfeel, which is the New England approach, where late and dry hopping carry the flavor and a restrained bittering charge keeps the finish soft rather than sharp. Expect a hop-led nose of tropical and citrus fruit, and a palate that leans toward ripe fruit over resin or pine. The 70 IBU is a measure of bitterness chemistry, and in hazy beers like this it usually reads as gentler than the number suggests, because a fuller body and fruit-forward hopping cushion it. The 8.0% ABV adds weight and a slight warmth on the finish, so this is a beer to sip rather than drink quickly, and a single can or bottle is a substantial pour. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 7 to 10°C (45 to 50°F). Straight from a very cold fridge the aromatics stay muted, and a few minutes out of the cold lets the fruit open up. A tulip or an IPA-style glass is the right choice, since the curved bowl and tapered rim concentrate the hop aroma. A wide-mouthed tumbler or a standard shaker pint also works, though it releases the aroma faster. Pour it into the glass with a gentle swirl so any haze and yeast character carries through. For food, the fruit and body of a hazy imperial IPA suit spicy dishes such as Thai green curry, jerk chicken or hot wings, where the sweetness of the malt and the cold carbonation temper the heat. It also stands up to carnitas tacos with a citrus salsa, smash burgers with sharp cheddar, and carrot cake, where the cream cheese frosting echoes the beer's soft texture. Mild, delicate dishes will be overwhelmed by a beer of this strength and hop intensity.