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Caged & Corked 750 batch #1 from 2009 - Hazy lemony yellow with a slight whitish hollow core. Tall and foamy rich white cap lift quickly to top the yellowy mass. Spotty and broken patchy lacing is lightly placed acorss the goblet.

Aroma is a bit light for what most other Imperial Pils may offer, but what is there is a nice blend to some obvious Belgian yeastyness that grabs the idea of a good Belgian Pale. Pretty high on the zesty peel aspect of lemon and some white grapefruit. Floral spices add some spike to it. Could be bolder on both malt and hops though. This seems almost all Golden/Pale Belgian?

Taste is bit light as well. Missing some malt girth and richer, thicker body. Again, more Belgian sided and a bit light with a good dance to some yeasty floralness and spice. But where's the Pilsner side? There's a smidgeon of Saaz in there and some Pale malt dryness and even lighter doughyness. But this comes across for more like a Belgian then a Imp. Pils. Seemingly simple, which is fine, I get the collaboration idea and its a good one, but its not coming across so well in the end result for me.

Body is a lighter medium without much depth. Has a nice sweetness playing underneath as it warms which helps gain some malty weight. Stays mostly floral and dry and stays fairly clean with a certain Belgain zip and flare on the palate that is quite nice. Just lighter then most Imp. Pils. Definately serve warm; recommended around 45 to 40.

Hmmm...wonder if they would've went with calling this a Belgian Pale instead would help me get by the fact that its nothing like the Imperial Pilsner its been labled. Cuz this is nothing like them. Don't get me wrong, this is still a pretty damn good brew and enjoyably drinkable with a simple sublte play of light sweetness and floral dryness.

Price: $12.99 Served In: Goblet