You may hear the name “Double Platinum” and think of the less than desirable beer created by Budweiser, but the Starr Hill Double Platinum is quite the opposite. The Double Platinum is a 8.6% ABV Imperial IPA that is dry hopped with both Simcoe and Centennial hops. It looks pretty promising and hopefully the platinum lives up to its previous metal name.

From the 12 ounce bottle, the Double Platinum has a dark orange color with a slight haze. There is a one finger just off-white head capping the beer. Some great lacing is left on the glass as well, in a classic Imperial IPA style. The aromas are not as hoppy as I was expecting, with a good sweet caramel malt coming through that mixes with the citrus and pine notes. Even though I appreciate the balance I’m left wanting more hop aromas.

The hops come back in the taste with plenty of grapefruit, pine and a nice bitterness coming through. There is a little bit of orange zest and some balance provided by a slight sweet malt note. While on the bitter and hoppy side, it isn’t a complete hop bomb.

The Double Platinum provides something that I look for in an Imperial IPA: plenty of hops but with a small balancing note to keep you coming back. While hoppy, it is still surprisingly drinkable. The aromas could use a boost and the flavors a bit more variation, but overall this is an Imperial IPA that I would not turn down.

Rating

88
out of 100