Fiddlehead Second Imperial Ipa

Fiddlehead Second Imperial IPA is an imperial (double) IPA from Massachusetts. The label doesn't give an ABV or IBU, so what follows is what the style typically delivers. Imperial IPAs usually land somewhere around 7.5 to 9.5 percent ABV, with a heavy hop load balanced by enough malt to keep the beer from tasting thin. Expect a pronounced hop aroma of citrus peel, grapefruit, resin and tropical fruit, and a moderate to firm bitterness that lingers through a medium-bodied, lightly sweet finish. Because the strength is high and the hop character is large, this beer rewards a little restraint at the table. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a very cold refrigerator, the hop aromatics are muted and the bitterness reads sharper than it should. Let the bottle or can sit out for ten minutes and the fruit and resin come forward as it warms in the glass. For glassware, a tulip or a shaped IPA glass is the better choice. The narrowing top concentrates hop volatiles and holds the head, while a standard shaker pint lets much of the aroma escape. A snifter or stemmed goblet also works if you want to treat it as a slow sipper. At the table, imperial IPAs hold up to bold, fatty and spicy food. Good matches include sharp cheddar, smoked or aged gouda, carnitas tacos, jerk chicken, barbecue ribs and a well-charred burger. The bitterness cuts through richness and stands up to chili heat. Carrot cake and other spiced desserts work on the sweet side, because the caramel malt backbone meets the cinnamon and cream cheese. Avoid delicate dishes such as white fish or light salads, which the beer will overwhelm.