New Belgium Higher Plane Hazy Imperial IPA

So…this is an Imperial Hazy IPA.  For those not sure about the term Imperial, I shall attempt to clear the water.  An Imperial IPA is an IPA, however they tend to be higher in alcohol and may have more hop, bitterness and a darker color.  For comparison, I reviewed another of New Belgium’s Hazy called Juicy Haze.  Juicy Haze has an ABV of 7.5% and this Imperial has an ABV of 8.5%.  Not a huge difference, however you can (I can) taste the slight alcohol difference in the two beers.  This beer is not darker, in fact if anything it appears a bit lighter in color.  There is a distinct bitterness to this hazy in comparison to most I have enjoyed.  The aroma has subtle notes of mango or tropical fruit.  The tropical fruit is here in the flavor as well, but the bitterness overpowers it for me.  Once upon a time in my youth I was attracted to bitter beer, but I want beer with more fruit profile and less bitterness now.  This is a good beer, but not what I am attracted to at this point in my drinking.

Rating 7.2