Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Peak Organic Brewing Company

Beer Name: King Crimson

Beer Style: Imperial Amber Ale

Abv.: 9%

Serving Glassware: Pint, Stein

Serving Temp.: 45-50 deg. F. (BeerAdvocate.com)

Local Availability: Special Release (Table and Vine may still have some)

Pairings: Crackers, Burgers, Steak, Mushrooms, Peppers

ma.worldclassbeverages.com

Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A/4.5

Appearance: 4.5

Aroma: 4.5

Taste: 4.5

Mouthfeel: 4.5

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: B+/3.98

Mike's Description

Appearance - Beautiful amber shade (pretty much the same color as the label) with 1 inch of off-white head. Fantastic retention that carries throughout the session and heavy lacing.

Aroma - Wonderful aromas that are true to the style. Citrusy hop esters and licorice come to mind with a nice syrupy malt finish.

Taste - Very heavy and flavorful malt backbone with a plethora of fruity hops. The label says "lavishly dry-hopped" in addition to the wet-hopping and it is pretty blatant. Wonderful fruity sweetness balanced by Simcoe dry-hopping bitterness.

Mouthfeel - Pretty full-bodied brew, especially for an amber. The dominant citrusy character from the hops clashes with the strong malty facet...everything is in full force.

Drinkability - Overall this is in my top 3 favorite ambers and probably my favorite imperial amber. It is outdone by Nugget Nectar because NN has much less alcohol, yet it pretty much reaches the same level of flavor and hop character that Crimson achieves. You can also drink a 6-pk of NN whereas only one of these bombers would nearly put me over the top.