Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Imperial IPA

The Big Eddy line of bold, strong beers are a special line-up from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  They started as an independent brewery in 1867, but have been owned by Miller (now MolsonCoors) for several years.

This Imperial IPA comes in at 9.0% ABV.  The beer pours a deep copper, and chestnut color, it is dark, yet bright.  There is a half-inch of creamy, foamy head, off-white in color.  It leaves thick and sticky lacing down the glass.  The aroma is intensely hoppy, quite a bit of pine, with very ripe melon and tropical fruit.  It sits on a heavy base of malt and there is a rye-like spicy note.  The taste is pine, lots of melon, citrus, a tart fruity note on the back, on a substantial, slightly sweet, malt base.  There is surprisingly little bitterness.  The mouthfeel is both tart and sweet, and it is relatively "light" in the mouth and drinkable for its high alcohol and intense flavor.