Full Sail Slipknot Imperial IPA [2009]

The last of a threesome of DIPA bombers. Both the Deschutes Hop Henge Imperial IPA and the Lagunitas Hop Stoopid were pretty solid. Probably nothing that I'd go out of my way to seek out, but still, solid for their weight class.

But this one? I don't know.... Just didn't draw me in the way I want an Imperial/Double/Whatever IPA to. Very stand-off'ish IMO. Too many weird nuances and sharp angles to this beer, that never wholly won me over.

Shame, too, since I used to be quite the Full Sail flag waver. But let's face it, the 21st century has not been kind to this outfit. Their Pale Ale still gets some play from me, but their IPA? Too many rough/ugly/unappealing angles.

And this one? Perhaps not wholly unintentionally named after the hugely overrated nü-metal group of the same name? Takes those very same acidic and overly rough aspects, and amps them up a notch of three. With predictable results.

About the only thing this beer has going for it is that unlike many other DIPAs, it doesn't fall apart and get cloying in the mouthfeel as it warms. But..., in this case at least, that's more due to the fact that the hop profile is so rough and astringent, the malt never has enough time to affect the outcome, either way.

Not horrible, but one of the least DIPAs that have crossed my path in the last few months. Yet another "Full Sail Brewmaster Reserve" beer that promises much and delivers little.
//TB