Day 71, 3.12.11., Mikkeller - I Hardcore You

If you follow this blog closely, you'll know I've taken a real shine to Mikkeller.  Now, Mikkeller has joined up with BrewDog for an Imperial IPA.  So if you also know about my love for IPAs and my growing interest in BrewDog, then you and I will agree that I Hardcore You may just be my personal beer trifecta!   

(Since I have yet to blog a beer from BrewDog, here is 107 words on them: 
BrewDog is a Scottish brewery started by two 24 year old dudes in 2006.  They make myriad beers mostly in classic styles, but with innovations and twists that are more often seen out here in the Pacific Coast brewing world, than in the more traditional European model.  For instance, the first time I heard of BrewDog was in Portland on my bachelor party trip when my brothers and buddies and I tried their Paradox bourbon cask aged imperial stout.  I remember it was awesome, intense and way over priced at the fancy restaurant we had dinner at.  Don't remember much more.  What?  It was my bachelor party.)

I have to say though, that this one was a little disappointing.  The problem is not that the beer is not good, it is good, but I've come to expect amazing from Mikkeller.  
This beer is golden red and fairly clear.  It's pretty thick and viscous.  It has Big bold resiny hop aroma and flavor and strong bitterness.  I called this one a 7 of 10.  Here's why: it's quite unbalanced.  The only balance to the big hop punch was the full body.  But there is really not much maltyness or sweetness.  
I still love Mikkeller but this, I thought, was not their best.