Boulevard Brewing’s Space Camper Quantum Hop Imperial IPA is a cosmic journey for IPA lovers, and as a hop head myself, I had to give it a try. Here’s what I thought!
First Impressions:
Right off the bat, the label grabs your attention. It’s funky, futuristic, and makes you feel like you’re about to launch into another dimension of flavor. It pours a hazy golden-orange, with a nice fluffy white head that sticks around for a bit. The aroma is pretty intense and immediately draws you in with a blast of tropical fruit and pine. You can tell this one’s gonna be big on hops.
Taste & Tasting Notes:
The first sip is a hop lover’s dream! You get punched with an upfront burst of citrus (think grapefruit, orange, and even a hint of pineapple). This is quickly followed by a resinous, piney bitterness that lingers on the tongue. There’s also a subtle tropical sweetness that keeps it balanced, making it surprisingly drinkable for an imperial IPA.
For an 8.5% ABV beer, the alcohol is pretty well hidden, but it does give you a bit of a warming sensation as you sip. There’s a solid malt backbone here too…bready and slightly caramel, which helps offset the bitterness. That said, this beer is really all about the hops. It’s definitely on the bitter side, which might be a bit much for someone who isn’t a die-hard IPA fan.
Mouthfeel:
It’s medium-bodied, with a nice, smooth mouthfeel. Carbonation is on point, giving it a lively feel without being too fizzy. Overall, it’s well-balanced in texture, and the bitterness doesn’t dry you out as some imperial IPAs can.
Pros:
- Hoppy goodness: The hop-forward profile will definitely satisfy any hop head. The tropical and citrus flavors come through beautifully, making this a refreshing yet robust imperial IPA.
- Well balanced: Despite the bitterness, there’s a nice sweetness from the malt that prevents it from being overwhelming.
- Deceptively drinkable: For 8.5% ABV, this beer is dangerously smooth. You’ll want to pace yourself, but it doesn’t feel like you’re drinking something so strong.
Cons:
- A bit too bitter for some: If you’re not into really bitter IPAs, this might be a little too intense. The piney bitterness can linger longer than some might like.
- Slightly one-dimensional: While it delivers on hops, there’s not a huge complexity in the flavor. It’s pretty straightforward—citrus, pine, and bitterness. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but some might be looking for a bit more depth in an imperial IPA.
Overall Rating:
- Taste: 8/10 – The tropical citrus and resinous hops are a knockout combo, but it could use a bit more complexity.
- Drinkability: 7.5/10 – Very smooth for its ABV, but that lingering bitterness might make it a one-and-done for some people.
- Appearance: 8.5/10 – Gorgeous color and a solid pour, really appealing for an IPA.
- Mouthfeel: 8/10 – Nice and smooth, with just the right amount of carbonation.
Final Thoughts:
Space Camper Quantum Hop Imperial IPA is a solid choice for anyone who loves big, bold, hoppy flavors. It’s a tropical, bitter ride that’s perfect for IPA enthusiasts looking for something a bit more intense. That said, if you’re not a fan of heavy bitterness or looking for something with more layers, it might not be your go-to.
For me? I’ll definitely grab another can when I’m in the mood for something punchy!
If you’ve had a Space Camper Quantum Hop, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.