Founders Imperial Ipa

Founders Imperial IPA comes in a 19.2-ounce can, a size that holds roughly one and a half standard pints and suits a single generous pour or a shared one. The category is Imperial IPA, also called Double IPA, a style built to push everything about an India pale ale further. Styles like this usually land between 7.5 and 10 percent ABV, and no ABV or IBU figure is listed for this can, so check the label for the exact number. Expect a big hop presence up front: resinous pine, grapefruit and orange peel, and tropical notes such as mango or pineapple are the usual territory, depending on whether the hop bill leans classic West Coast or newer fruit-forward varieties. Underneath sits a fuller malt body than a standard IPA, often with a touch of caramel or biscuit sweetness to hold the bitterness in check. The finish in this style tends to be long and bitter, with a warming alcohol note that builds as the beer sits. Serve it cold but not ice-cold, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold fridge, the hop aromatics stay muted and the bitterness feels sharper than it should. Let the can sit out for ten minutes or so. A tulip or snifter-style IPA glass is the best choice because the curved bowl and narrowing rim concentrate the hop aroma; a standard pint glass or a shaker pint works if that is what you have. Pour with a firm stream to build a head, then let the aroma open before the first sip. Strong hop character and higher alcohol call for food with some weight. Spicy dishes such as Thai curries, jerk chicken or buffalo wings stand up to it, while sweetness in carrot cake or a cheddar-heavy burger can soften the bitterness. Sharp aged cheddar, blue cheese and smoked meats all work well. Delicate fish or light salads tend to get lost next to a beer this assertive.