Banger IPA - Saint Arnold Review
One thing that has been interesting to watch over the years is the transition from bitter, nose-scrunching, and heavy double IPAs to aromatic, smooth, and palatable Hazy double IPAs. It was a trend that was undoubtedly going to happen, and in the hands of great brewers it has been a transition as smooth as the beers invented.
This week we’re reviewing one of these new concoctions from Saint Arnold Brewing out of Houston, Texas. Banger Imperial Hazy IPA is smooth and powerful from the malt additions of 2-row, torrified wheat, white wheat, and carafoam. And for a fruity and complex hoppiness to round it out, Saint Arnold added heavy doses of Strata and Simcoe hops. It comes in heavy at 8.4% ABV and gentle at 29 IBU.
We expect a lot from Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery, so let’s see how Banger Imperial Hazy IPA stands up.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Hazy and golden. Looks unfiltered with lots of floating hop goodness and is topped with a cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Very expressive with floral, resin, and fruit notes. Passion fruit and melon aromas offer tangy and sweet notes. The complex aroma is very inviting, promising fruit and zest with a low bitterness.
On the Palate--The floral and earthy resin from the Simcoe hops come through nicely as does the passion fruit and melon from the Strata. Like the aroma, it is very complex and expressive. Banger IPA’s citrus undertone adds zing and a very gentle bitterness that blends beautifully with the sweet fruit. It’s low- to medium-bodied and soft and smooth in the mouth, which is a necessary trait to have nowadays if a beer is going to be labeled hazy.
Suggested Pairings: With an Imperial/Double IPA always search for strong flavors in salty treats, beef, or vegetables, or get adventurous and pair it with some of your favorite desserts, especially something spiced like a carrot cake or our spent grain pumpkin cookies.
Final Thoughts:
The winning component for us in this Imperial Hazy IPA is the hop combination. Simcoe is a stalwart in craft beer and for good reason. It adds fantastic floral and zesty aroma and dense and earthy flavors which complement the sweeter additions of the Strata hops. This pairing, mixed with the low bitterness and smooth malt make Banger IPA well worth the money. It’s easy to drink, but can also be sipped with equal enjoyment. It has a high ABV that is only moderately noticeable beside the strong hop aroma and smooth malt flavor.
Banger IPA is the epitome of the heavy and hard double IPA meeting our modern aromatic and smooth beer culture. This Imperial IPA remains interesting throughout and doesn’t dull the palate. It is strong and smooth, fun to drink, and a staple we’ll keep coming back to from Saint Arnold.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew