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It’s the holiday weekend and my parents stopped by on their way through to a wedding. Almost every time my parents come to town, they bring us a couple of Imo’s pizzas. The pizza is a local favorite in St. Louis, and was one of mine when I lived there. So, along with my favorite St. Louis pizza, I thought I’d enjoy a beer from there as well. Fortunately, when I went back for a golf tournament a few weeks ago, my friend gave me a bottle of Schlafly’s special release American IPA. The bottle says it’s 8% and says, “Brewed with a big hop flavor and aroma, this dry-hopped American IPA has enough malted barley backbone to stand up to the intense bitterness.” I also love the quote on the bottle from Bejamin Franklin – “There can’t be good living where there isn’t good drinking.”
It was a clear orangish amber color and it had a thin, creamy head. It had an obvious hop aroma with grassy and citrusy hop smells most pronounced. There was also a small hint of maltiness also noticeable.
It was creamy and crisp with light medium body. The creamy maltiness was the first thing I noticed, followed by a nice big hop flavor in the finish. It had a great hop flavor with mostly earthy and citrusy hop tastes. The hops come through even more in the aftertaste and lingered in my mouth for a while.
As far as a food pairing, for me, I can’t think of anything more perfect than the Imo’s deluxe pizza I’m having with mine. Overall, I really liked this beer – great hop flavors that last along with a solid malt base that delivers an 8% ABV punch. I may have to see if I can get a bit more of this the next time I’m in St. Louis (or if my friend who gave me this one is reading this, please set aside at least 6 more for my next visit please).
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