OK, I’m a beer geek, and one with 4125 different beers under my belt. Much as I hate to admit it, only one of those is a Mikkeller beer. So sue me already. Yeah, I know that Denmark’s Mikkeller brewery is all the rage amongst the current crop of beer geeks. Until now, though, I’ve shied away from their beers, mostly because of the price. Many Mikkeller brews command $5 to $6 for a single 11.2 ounce bottle; I’ve seen some go for as much as $12.99.

Anyway, I decided to finally give one a try and added a bottle of Mikkeller Hop Burn High to my basket at Sherlock’s the other day. At the time, I didn’t know it was “High”; I just thought it was Mikkeller Hop Burn. The burner dial on the label was set to “HI” however, and as it turns out they make a “LO” version, too, which is a strong pale lager/imperial pils sort of a beer.

Mikkeller Hop Burn High is a “Double Imperial Pale Ale” according to the label, whatever that is. I would classifiy it as a double IPA/imperial IPA myself. The beer is actually contract brewed in Belgium by De Proef Brouwerij. It’s quite the potent brew at 10% alcohol by volume.

Mikkeler Hop Burn High pours to a bright orange color with a thick and creamy head formation and a very appetizing citrusy hop aroma. A thick layer of Brussels lace lines the sides of the glass and follows the liquid all the way to the bottom. Some chewy caramel up front followed by lots of citrusy orange and then some piney resin flavor dominate the palate. Grapefruit bitterness and flavor takes over in the finish along with alcohol warmth and a long dry lingering bitterness on the tongue.  A very nice beer indeed, and a very good Imperial/Double IPA.

But what I buy it again? I think so, though perhaps not as often as some other beers. Nice to try now and then, but bottom line I have to say there are plenty of other beers in the style that are just as good and less expensive. I paid $3.99 for an 11.2 ounce bottle of Mikkeller hop Burn High; I can get an entire six-pack of Bridgeport Hop Czar for just three bucks more. Fantastic examples of this style abound these days that I would be inclined to drink first.

That doesn’t mean this is not delightful beer; it is. I certainly enjoyed it enough that I’ll be looking for other Mikkeller beers, and soon. I’d rate it at 4 and a half stars on its own merit, with one half demerit for price.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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