Gemini (Imperial Blended Ale)
Very nicely rounded, and rich DIPA. Presentation: 22 oz brown bottle. Southern Tier well designed identity on a sticker label (no more screen-printed bottles for Gemini...) Silver and green touches with images of an astronaut floating over the hoppy green. Side narrative explains name/inspiration, and composition from a blend of Hoppe and Unearthy. No printed bottling date on side, does not note IBUs, but shows Plato (22), and Alc. by Vol. (10.5%) alongside detailed list of ingredients, and recommended drinking temperature and glassware. Poured into a tulip glass. A - Hazy amber pour with a generous foamy head that subdues slowly with nice touches of lacing. S - Rich hoppy nose, plenty of caramel over the citrus and grapefruit. T - Nice sync with aroma, with a long malty caramel sense that is coated by fresh layers of a rich hoppy identity, grapefruit, pineapple, a bit of resin. M - Great smoothness on a full-medium body with fine carbonation for the style. D - Not for early hop palates, but if one appreciates the long range and nicely woven complexity it is a pure delight. Notes: Unearthly is fantastic, and I don't know Hoppe (yet) but this blend works very well with an added long texture and sense of freshness that is quite memorable.