Southern Tier Oak Aged Un*Earthly Imperial IPA
As I’ve said before, I love oak aged beers. I also love the majority of beers I’ve had from Southern Tier, so I definitely wasn’t going to pass this one up, and it’s reasonably priced ($7 in stores).
It pours orange-brown with minimal head. There’s a deep hop aroma, piney and grassy, with notes of alcohol. Body is smooth with light, shimmering carbonation. You taste hops immediately, and the malt sweetness is fades after the initial. The aftertaste is all piney, sweet citrus hops, and you can detect the tropical oak flavors if you look for them. This is a strong beer, and you’ll taste some alcohol – at 11% it’s unavoidable. But, it’s very balanced in these flavors, similar to the Great Divide 16th ann – although it seems a bit hoppier.
This is a fantastic beer overall – I will have to revisit the regular UnEarthly to see which I enjoy more. But, I feel that this is a once-in-a-while sipper, meant to be enjoyed with only the best of your craft bear enjoying friends. I wouldn’t pair this with anything other than cool weather and a comfy chair. Cheers!