The Hemperor is an American IPA brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in an IPA glass from a 12 oz. bottle.
Packaging art for the The Hemperor by New Belgium Brewing Company
What You Need To Know
New Belgium has dubbed this brew an “HPA” as it uses hemp hearts to give the aroma and palate greater complexity. So how was it? Let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The IPA pours a brilliantly clear copper and is topped by a thick cap of dense, off-white foam that shows fine retention. The head’s reduction leaves behind patches of residue clinging to the sides of the glass while a stream of bubbles continuously rises.
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Aroma
The aroma is strong and expectedly dank. You’ll smell it immediately upon popping open the cap.
Flavor
The palate begins with a mild dose of floral hops while toasted bread and a sweet note of caramel hold down the middle. The finish is highlighted by the dank flavor from the hemp hearts. But there’s also a bright note of orange citrus and hoppy pine combined with an earthy character in the underlying base. Their bitterness is mild but lingers through the finish. A flash of caramel is picked up again on the swallow.
Label art for the The Hemperor by New Belgium Brewing Company
Mouthfeel
The feel is smooth and lightly coats the mouth with its medium body and moderate carbonation. Finishes dryly with a mild astringency.
Overall
The Hemperor presents very nicely. It simply looks gorgeous in the glass. The aroma is strong and persistent and considering the concept, it’s as you’d expect. If anything, perhaps the bitterness could be amped up a bit, but otherwise, its flavor is superb. The hemp hearts aren’t overpowering and add a lovely dank flavor to its layered palate. The feel is on point and all together, The Hemperor is an excellent brew that’s definitely worth trying.
