Rampant Imperial India Pale Ale

Sorry it's a little blurry. It was almost dark.

New Belgium Brewing's beers will be here soon in South Florida! To try to pump up local enthusiasm, the brewery sent me a few of their beers beforehand. Today I'm trying out Rampant Imperial India Pale Ale. The label art is a little boring, a bland hop cone to think about. The "Cause and Effect" story on the side might help you out with some personal justifications later. Read below.

Fruity aroma, spicy with light pine and some mint? Not that strong a scent. First taste... very herbal, a total explanation for that minty aroma and a really dominant flavor start. Hoppy but not too bitter. Light citrus undertones, floral, and some sweeter fruit touches.

Crisp feeling in the mouth, and you won't mistake the 8.5% alcohol giving your palate a regular wash before starting over again with another sip. Lots of zip and zing from many angles. Good body and carbonation. I honestly could have done with a lot less of that persistent herbal flavor and been happier. A pretty decent beer, though the category is full of stars. Let me know what you think.