Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial Ale

Sometimes, in our constant tasting of beer, we come across some that make the mouth pucker as though we just sucked on a sour lemon. Then there are the beers that make us pucker because of all the hoppy goodness it contains.

Such is the case with this week's selection from Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant in Novato, California. The label on their "Hopsickle" imperial ale warns that this is for the serious hop lover. Triple hopped with Cascade, Tomahawk and Centennial hops, bitterness and spice are the first two things that come to mind when tasting out this beer. Teeming with warm citrus and pine flavors, it is not for the faint of heart.

That doesn't mean that all you're getting from this beer is hops. A beautiful amber in color, this beer has a warm aroma of grapefruit that hits the nose hard when decanting. The head in the photo dissipates very quickly into thick lacing on the glass. We could just stare at the beer for hours. And did, actually.

Because of the major hoppiness, you're best food pairing with Hopsickle would be wild game, or something spicy. Or just drink it by itself and enjoy Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial Ale, Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week."