Schmaltz Brewing He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A

Tonight I'm drinking the one, the only, Schmaltz He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA.  This beer comes in a slick 22oz bottle with a show-time movie theme.  On the neck of the bottle, the label states, "Leonard Alfred Schneider.  Born in New York 10.3.1925 Died in California 8.3.1966.  Finally, one last four-letter word concerning Lenny Bruce: DEAD.  At 40, that's obscene."  There is also a little story on the bottle that you can check out here.  It classifies as a big Imperial IPA at 10%ABV, and an absurd hop bill that is too long to list.

Pouring this beer into my goblet, it pours a sexy rusty amber color.  It has a hazy look to it, but when held up to the light it's perfectly clear.  Light beige head that reaches an inch high, with clinging sticky lace that holds strong. 

The aroma, mmmmm, the aroma.  There is a hoppy fruit aroma there that reminds me of fresh apples and tangerines.  Also some lemon zest present, along with a muted bready malt.  The taste is a simultaneous rush of multiple hop notes, sweet biscuity malts, and strong carbonation pushing it all around.  The hop profile definitely has multiple personalities.....oily, bitter, herbal, spicy notes that really linger.  I think the rye shows up in that sweet biscuit (toasted bread) malt backbone, which holds it's own against those schizo hops.  The texture is dense and chewy, and there is a pleasant warmth attributed to that big bang of alcohol content.  Despite the thickness, and oily mouthfeel, I still get that sense of a dry finish. 

Overall Rating:  5.8 out of 6.0   This is an aggressive brew - it dances dangerously close with the Barleywine style, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!  If you're in the mood for a big-time IPA with a big bite, dig your teeth into this behemoth.  Phenomenal brew.