Pyramid Gets Imperial on Our Ass

Recently Seattlest developed what we’d thought was a disturbing habit: We started scanning six-pack packaging and pub menus for their brews’ alcohol content. And we usually chose the more potent stuff. We’d kept this habit a secret, but it turns out Pyramid Breweries knew it all along. And they approve.

At their Seattle Alehouse Thursday, Pyramid introduced a small batch of industry insiders and media folks to two new beers, both with an ABV around 8%. We were there to cover the ceremonial keg tapping, the public unveiling of the Alehouse’s new small-scale brewing facility, and to hopefully consume more than our share of each.

Imperial Hefeweizen, weighing in at 7.5% ABV and 30 IBU, will hit your favorite store’s cooler this September. You’ll want to check the bomber shelves; this one will only be available in 22oz bottles. It’s typically cloudy, with a more mustard hue than Pyramid’s standard hefe. As expected, it’s heavier and not as sweet. If you like hefe, you’ll love this imperial form—the first we’ve ever tasted—even more. Duh. Don’t quote us, but we think it’s on tap at the restaurant.

Imperial IPA is a less novel brew, with an as-expected high gravity (8.1% ABV) and robust flavor. This one hails from the shiny 15-barrel facility recently installed behind a glass wall bordering the restaurant. It tasted more amber than IPA, with an early and surprising malt onslaught that was too-slowly overtaken by welcome bitterness. We weren’t blown away, but we’ll go back to double-check with our palate; it’s pouring now. Imperial IPA won’t be bottled.

Pyramid plans to offer more truly small-batch beers exclusively in their Alehouse. Scott Barnum, the brewery’s “Chief Weizen Guy” (CEO), said the ‘house should strive to be a “temple of beer.” He and other company execs repeatedly noted that Seattle beer drinkers want more “specialty brews and strong ales” in their city’s pubs. Our secret is out, fellow lushes. Rejoice.