Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA
1 log on Brewskipotatoes
Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with assertive tropical and citrus hop character — think mango, grapefruit, and a touch of pine resin. On the palate, a firm bitterness anchors the fruit-forward hops, while a substantial malt backbone keeps the whole thing from veering into harsh territory. The body is full without being syrupy, and the finish lingers with resinous bitterness and a warmth that reflects the 9% ABV, which is right in the wheelhouse for the style but noticeable.
About the Brewery
New Belgium is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, founded in 1991, and built its early reputation on Fat Tire Amber Ale. Over the decades it became one of the larger craft operations in the country, expanding distribution nationally and eventually opening a second facility in Asheville, North Carolina. The Voodoo Ranger line became their flagship growth vehicle, leaning into hop-forward IPAs of various intensities and styles to capture a broader craft beer audience.
Food Pairings
The bold bitterness and tropical hop character here cut through rich, fatty foods particularly well — braised pulled pork works because the sweetness of the meat tempers the resinous bite. Aged cheddar or a sharp gouda holds its own against the intensity without getting lost. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes benefit from the fruity hop aromatics, which echo the chili heat rather than fight it. A char-grilled burger with caramelized onions also pairs naturally, as the malt backbone aligns with the browned, savory crust.
Style Guide
American Double or Imperial IPA is essentially a maximalist take on the American IPA — more hops, more malt, more alcohol, typically landing between 7.5% and 10% ABV. It originated in American craft brewing in the late 1990s and early 2000s as brewers pushed the IPA format further, prioritizing intense hop bitterness and aroma over balance. What separates it from a standard IPA is the pronounced malt body required to support all that hop weight, and from a barleywine by its hop-dominant rather than malt-dominant character.