December brings a few of our favorite things each year. Holiday gatherings with friends, Joe’s annual birthday party at HopCat Grand Rapids, and a favorite double IPA known fondly as The Liberator.
The Liberator (8.2% ABV – 116 IBU) is a Double IPA brewed with lemon and orange zest. This beast employs a sizable malt bill, but it is the crazy amount of hops added to the boil every 4 minutes, for 120 minutes, that really make this beer special. Fruity, floral, and piney hop flavors penetrate throughout the caramelized malt profile. The Liberator is a well-balanced, full bodied brew that has a bitter finish due to the post fermentation addition of lemon and orange zest.
Originally brewed in secret to celebrate Joe’s 30th birthday, we’re glad that this beer is a secret no more, rather an annual tradition we look forward to! Like most traditions though, it’s only here for a short time before disappearing until next year. Look for this specialty brew this week on Michigan store shelves and pick up a six pack before it’s gone!
Check out the full story of The Liberator below:
