Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale

Brewery: Grand Teton Brewing Co.

Style: Red Ale

• ABV: 8.5%

  Size: 750 ml bottle

  Website: http://www.grandtetonbrewing.com

All the way from Victor, Idaho comes Grand Teton Brewing’s Pursuit of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale. I’ll admit it; this wasn’t my first choice tonight. He’Brew’s Lenny Bruce tribute RIPA caught my eye first. But when I picked up the four pack, the bottom fell out, sending bottles falling to the Whole Foods floor. What a comedian! Fortunately, nothing broke, but I was a little gun shy after my near beer-tastrophy, so I opted for the gold foil and hop-covered label of Pursuit of Hoppiness instead.

Pursuit of Hoppiness pours deep red-brown with a finger-width creamy tan head with nice retention. Stalactites on the glass. Pine and orange on the nose; great hop profile. Sweet malt and hops on the tongue; caramel, citrus, and cereal. No real bitterness. Medium bodied and very drinkable. Clean finish. An excellently balanced red ale. Recommended.