Moylans Hopsickle Imperial Ale

The second beer tried from this brewer, but the first on the blog.

I shared a table with Mr Moylan himself at a recent event and came across their Golden Ale at that time - a pretty pleasant drop in its own right and one I look forward to revisiting when the opportunity arises. Brendon himself stayed on it all night, at 5% it was nice and safe to put away.

Can't say I like the styling on the Moylans bottles - not that it changes what's in it of course, but in a context of heavy competition it's probably the reason we're only now starting to pick up these beers from the shop. Regardless, it's a good thing we've finally taken the plunge, as all indications point to this brewer being a solid competitor to their heavyweight Californian neighbours.

This beer pours an attractive opaque amber and generates a nice hoppy nose. There's an initial impression of sweet malts that comes through on the nose and as a flashing glimpse on first sip, but this is soon overtaken by bold US hopping that leaves a bitter lingering citrus legacy. It's more peel and oil than fruit or stone fruit.. dry but oily in its own way.

Very solid beer this - the alcohol is cleverly hidden at 9.2% and it delivers what it promises as a strong imperial overlord. Well done Mr Moylan.. well done indeed.

Wonder if it's hopsickle as in popsicle, or hopsickle as in the Grim Hop Reaper? Either way, very good beer. 8.0