Elysian The Immortal IPA
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Tasting Notes
The Immortal IPA leads with citrus and pine resin on the nose, backed by a subtle earthy undertone from the hop blend. On the palate, expect moderate bitterness with flavors of grapefruit pith, light caramel malt sweetness, and a faint herbal quality that keeps things grounded. The body is medium, not thin and watery, but not chewy either — it carries the hops without getting heavy. The finish is moderately dry with a clean, lingering bitterness that doesn't bite too hard.
About the Brewery
Elysian Brewing is based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1996, and built a strong regional reputation on hop-forward ales and an adventurous seasonal program. They're particularly well known for their pumpkin beer lineup, which has grown into one of the most extensive in the country. Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Elysian in 2015, which generated controversy in the craft beer community, though their core beers have remained largely consistent in recipe and availability.
Food Pairings
Burgers with sharp cheddar work well here because the malt backbone softens the fat while the hops cut through it. Fish tacos with a lime crema echo the citrus notes in the beer without competing with them. Spicy Thai noodle dishes benefit from the moderate bitterness, which tempers heat without amplifying it. A simple pepperoni pizza is a reliable match because the hop bitterness balances the grease and the caramel malt complements the tomato sauce's sweetness.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by assertive hop character — typically showcasing citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or resin — supported by a relatively neutral or lightly caramel malt base that keeps the hops in focus. ABVs generally run between 6% and 7.5%, placing the style above session territory but short of the double IPA range. It diverged from its English ancestor by leaning on American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra rather than the more restrained, earthy English hops. Compared to a West Coast IPA, the American IPA umbrella is broad; compared to a New England IPA, it's drier, clearer, and more overtly bitter rather than juicy and hazy.