Alright, let’s dive into Goose Island’s (Chicago, Illinois) Tropical Beer Hug, an Imperial IPA that’s as bold as it is bright. Clocking in at a hefty 9.9% ABV, this is a strong brew that definitely brings the heat! But if you’re looking for a beer that’s packed with tropical vibes, this one promises to take you on a mini-vacation to the tropics…even if it’s just for a pint.
First Impressions
The pour on this IPA is striking, with a nice golden hue and a head that’s thick but dissipates pretty quickly, leaving a bit of lacing around the glass. Just from the first whiff, you can tell this beer is serious about the “tropical” theme. It’s full of fruity aromas, with hints of mango, pineapple, and some passion fruit dancing up to greet you.
Tasting Notes
On the palate, Tropical Beer Hug is juicy right from the get-go. You get waves of sweet, ripe mango and pineapple, balanced with a hint of citrus zest. There’s even a touch of that juicy peach flavor. The tropical fruit medley is undeniably tasty and refreshing, especially for an imperial IPA, which often leans more into the bitter, piney side of hops.
Speaking of hops, Goose Island has kept the bitterness relatively balanced here, which is both a pro and a con. The bitterness is there, but it’s not intense…more of a gentle bitterness that comes in after the initial sweetness, giving it a satisfying, smooth finish. For IPA purists who crave a sharper hop bite, it may come off as a little tame. However, this makes it way more approachable for those who shy away from overly bitter brews.
The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, surprisingly smooth, and almost creamy, which is impressive considering the high ABV. It’s dangerously easy to drink for an imperial, but be careful because at nearly 10%, it’ll sneak up on you!
Positives
- Flavorful and Fruity: The tropical flavors really pop, and Goose Island did a great job balancing the sweetness with just enough bitterness.
- Smooth Finish: For a high-ABV imperial, it goes down smooth, with a clean finish that leaves you wanting another sip.
- Approachable: Even those who aren’t die hard IPA fans might find this one refreshing and easy to enjoy.
Drawbacks
- Mild Bitterness: Traditional IPA lovers might find it lacking in that intense hop punch, especially since it’s an imperial.
- Sweetness Levels: For some, the sweetness might be a touch too pronounced, leaning a bit more towards a tropical cocktail than a classic IPA.
Overall Rating
I’d give Goose Island Tropical Beer Hug a solid 8.5/10. It’s a fun, fruity twist on an imperial IPA that’s flavorful, easy to drink, and perfect for sipping on a warm day. While it may not pack the bitter intensity some IPA fans crave, the tropical flavors and balanced bitterness make it an enjoyable, approachable choice. Just remember to take it slow because this one packs a punch!
If you’ve tried the Tropical Beer Hug, share your thoughts about it below.
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