Having just read up on the Schmaltz photo contest, I was geeking for some He’Brew, so per the brewery’s suggestion, I picked up He’Brew Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. This brew was named after the notoriously foul mouthed comedian, Lenny Bruce who died prematurely as a result of drug overdose.  Lenny’s proper name, Lenny Alfred Schneider, reveals his Jewish heritage and obvious utilization for the naming of this beer.   As I read of his life, I must admit I felt a sense of tragic sorrow.  It seemed that the funny man was often at a loss for joy in life, while at the same time championing noble causes, such as social equality.  I wonder if the beer demonstrates such paradoxical qualities?

The Pour:

The beer enters the glass with lackadaisical ease.  The exceptional clarity reveals an extremely bright and beautiful ruby red.  While the beer looks thin, the slow pace of carbonation to the surface reveal the true consistency of this beer.  The head is phenomenal.  Two inches of head graced my glass for a good two minutes, and then dissipating leaving behind sticky frost-like patterns.

The Aroma:

The complexity of the aroma far out shines the last He’Brew beer I sampled.  Up front is a burst of caramel maltiness and and grapefruity hops.  Pushing past these aromas, a nice toasted note alongside a spicy/peppery rye fragrance intrigues the senses.  The hop aroma holds more complexity.  There is a pleasant funky smell, not unlike a sharp cheese.  Fruit notes are present as well:  Grapefruit, lemon, orange.  All the while the unmistaken smell of alcohol reminds you that this Imperial IPA boasts a 10% ABV.

The Taste:

Admittedly, I am biased.  I LOVE big beers, mostly for their complex malt flavors.  The unique blend of malts in this brew initially reveal caramelized malts.  At first there is a crisp apple flavor.  Alongside the caramelized malts, I can’t help but think of  a sweet caramel covered apple.  But this flavor gives way to a grapefruit hint.  The rye malts provide a fantastic bold and spicy flavor.  The finish is mildly syrupy and reminds me vaguely of an authentic maple syrup.

One cannot overlook the mouthfeel of this beer.  I daresay this is the smoothest IPA I’ve sampled.  The balance of carbonation and viscosity lends itself to a silky feel that gets smoother as the beer warms up.  There is mild alcohol finish that warms the throat.

Overall:

This a great beer!  I will buy it again and cellar o see how the beer ages.  If you like IPAs and Big beers, you won’t be disappointed.

Nate’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction:  

Among other Imperial IPAs:  

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