Southern Tier Unearthly and Hoppe

Southern Tier un*earthly IMPERIAL india pale ale (2011)

Everyday Availability.

22 fl. oz. / $7.49 USD / 9.5% ABV

About: "An uninhibited infusion of hops! At the Southern Tier Brewing Company, vigorously hopped beer is our standard and inspiration. We continue a commitment to innovation with our most aggressive offering yet. Unearthly is a manifestation of the brewer’s craft; skillfully balancing art and the forces of nature to produce a divine liquid. Delicately pour a taste into a fluted glass. Smell the enchanting aromas of the hops waft forward as your first sip divulges this beer’s fervent soul. To underestimate Unearthly is to trifle with the mysteries of the universe, so please consume wisely." Interesting.

Thoughts: Un-Earthly poured an amber almost yellow-green that looks like a rich orange in the glass, with a thick yellowish off-white head full of all different sized bubbles. There's a low level of slow rising carbonation bubbles and it's just slightly hazy.

This smells absolutely splendid. Beautiful candy shell coated hops here.

Sugary, peppery, zesty, with a caramel backdrop and fruity tones once swallowed. Got the slightest hint of dust that dissapeared once I noticed it. That's rare. For an imperial IPA this sure is one sweet ass brew. Simply put, liquified candy. Slight alcohol haze and very minimal pine. Not bitter at all.

It's a little watery, smooth and gentle, and gulps like nothin'.

This is a pretty malty IPA though, not that I mind. The beer tasted great from the first gulp right down to the last swig. This beer reminds me of some of the really awesome barley wines that I've been drinking lately, only with a really cool hop edge to it. It's actually pretty incredible. UnEarthly is one damn fine beer!

Southern Tier IMPERIAL hoppe - extra pale ale (2011)

Everyday Availability.

22 fl. oz. / $7.29 USD / 8% ABV

About: "The simplicity of Hoppe tests the skill and ability of the brewer to create something truly majestic. We craft this much like a sculptor who uses only a hammer and chisel to shape stone into a masterpiece. Hoppe is spawned of these few essentials: Barley, Wheat, Hops, Yeast and Water. This limited palette is an exercise in minimalism, with refined elements which are deliberately selected. This simple combination creates a golden shimmering brew infused with delicate aromas. The artful nature of this beer is exposed with the first taste. As the malt and hops create a composition of flavors, an elegant finish leaves an impression that your tastes will not soon forget."

Thoughts: Poured a light yellowy-orange color, slightly hazy, with a two-finger super opaque white head that lasted forever.

This beer smells so sweet! Sugary, refreshing hops, and a cold spiciness that flows mischievously.

Low level malts hang around at first before retreating for a gentle tingling and of calm, collected hops. Alcohol that seemed strong at first in the nose, is non-existent in the taste. There's no bite to it at all. It's not sour, or bitter at all. It's actually just quite sweet. Kind of like a mix of blood orange, orange peel and maybe a peach or pear mix, but not really those fruits specifically. There's no lemon or grapefruit. This is just simply more of like a liquid candy.

It's foamy at first, and then a bit watery. Goes down smooth and it easily chugged.

This beer is incredibly smooth. Probably the smoothest out of all the Southern Tier Imperial bombers. The easiest going most definitely, but damn, this is one well made pale ale. Finely done. Aftertaste is a subdued sweetness, again with no bitter tones, no grass, no funk. Just a gentle humming of beautiful aftertaste and a warming feeling inside. Well played.