Last night after Beer School (update on that coming after the midway point of the course), I made my way up to Firefly Fine Wines and Ales in order to pick up tickets for tomorrow’s CAMRA Oktoberfest at Granville Island Brewery. While I was there, I decided to pick up a night cap or two. Braving the cold room, I poured over the endless supply of delicious craft that they offer. After about ten minutes of letting my body temperature drop like a stone, I emerged with two selections from southern tier brewing company – the jah*va Imperial Coffee Stout and the unearthly Imperial IPA.

Of these selections, I have only tasted the unearthly on a very hazy night right before a close friend’s wedding. Despite drinking many craft beers before this tasting, thus destroying my pallet, I distinctly remember this IPA’s flavor coming up and kicking me right in the ass. Opting for a more sober prespective this time, I bring you my impressions of the southern tier jah*va Imperial Coffee Stout and unearthly Imperial IPA.

unearthly Imperial IPA – Initially, I struggled with what brew to quaff first as both beers have monstrous amounts of alcohol and flavour. Forgoing an internal debate about hops over malts, I decided to let fate decide and flipped a coin, heads hit face up and thus we have the unearthly first to bat. I think the people over at southern tier took offense to the fact that most people believe the west coast owns the IPA market. In response, they have developed what may possibly be one of my favorite IPAs I’ve tasted all year. Surprisingly drinkable given the massive alcohol, (11% ABV) this hop bomb gives you everything you expect when opening the bottle; however, it manages to maintain balance. Keep in mind that despite my praise this is an absolute pallet wrecker and should be one of the last beers you taste if you’re running a gauntlet.

jah*va Imperial Coffee Stout – My girlfriend was extremely excited to see that I brought home a stout along with the IPA. If given a choice, she always picks a stout before any other beer. I myself also love stouts; however, I have less of an affinity for one particular style. Perhaps this is because I enjoy variety, or perhaps I just can’t make up my damn mind. After pouring two glasses, we wasted no time diving in and fully enjoying this southern tier offering. First thing I noticed was a massive amount of alcohol initially, almost giving the opposite effect of the unearthly. After a few more sips that characteristic faded into the background leaving extremely dark roast coffee flavors and bitterness. Absolutely lovely beer but almost worthy of three people splitting a bomber versus just two. To quote my girlfriend “I almost feel like I should add milk to it just to calm it down, actually, this would make a fantastic float. Next time I have one of these I have to add some vanilla ice cream!” Given she is the more passionate stout lover, I feel I’ll leave that as the final word on the jah*va.

Despite the fact this was not an actual trip to the southern tier it did open my eyes to the fact the west coast is not the only place enormous beers are being made. Although the stout was almost a little too much for me, the IPA was one of the best I have had in recent memory, if not ever. I am looking forward to expanding my east coast pallet, as outside of selections from Brooklyn Brewery and Dogfish Head I’ve clearly missed the boat on east coast brews.

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