So, after the gods of science decided to take a steaming dump on my chest today, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to pull out the ol’ credit card and blog some Michigan beers for Michigan Beer month.  The first beer I purchased today was a brand new beer to me.  At the risk of sounding cliche, i was prepared to be let down.  Ian, i know you’re the only reader who’ll get that, but its imperitive to the rest of this review.  That being said, this beer is the New Holland Imperial Mad Hatter.  I can’t say much positive about standard hatter however.  I know Ian’s a huge fan, but it has never impressed me.  That said, its not bad.  On the standard 1-10 scale, its roughly a decent session beer.  Take that for what you will.

Onward.  To Imperial Hatter.  Pretty respectable color.  A nice copper.  A lasting head.  Grassy, slightly citrusy scent to it.  Nothing overpowering, but it lingers, and is really quite nice.  To be honest, this might be one of the best examples I’ve got in recent memory as to what an IPA should smell like.  Now, how does it taste…  Well, it tastes like hops.  There is very little sweetness present, but there is the standard residual flavor.  Theres a good deal of hop flavor and bitterness to this without being absolutely mind blowing.  If this were considered a standard IPA, I’d give it a 10.  Seriously.  However, once you add that whole Imperial thing to it, you’ve put yourself into a new category…  And when you’ve got devil dancer, early hopslam, hop stoopid, and double trouble to live up to…  this beer is good.  In fact, its great. I’ll give it a happy 8.0.  Buy it.  Drink it.  Love it.