(Ukiah, CA & Saratoga Springs, NY) – Here is a follow-up to last week’s post on some new brews to come from Mendocino Brewing.

Mendocino is set to launch its new Imperial Series and some new seasonals and I got a hold of the official beer descriptions for the first three beers we will see. Also of note, in the last post, I mentioned that the brewery would be replacing White Ale with Blonde Ale. It appears as though this change is partly driven by there being somewhat of a glut of White Ales offered in the Northern CA market. That’s not my opinion (not local to CA), rather it’s just what I’m hearing.

Here are the details on the new beers:

Mendocino Imperial IPA

This full bodied Imperial IPA is brewed with massive amounts of premium varieties of hops such as Amarillo, Cascade, Simcoe and Crystal and paired with a rich blend of luscious Munich, caramel and 2-row pale malts. The result is a perfect balance of luxuriant malt and heady, exhilarating hop flavor. After primary fermentation is finished, we dry hop our Imperial IPA with copious quantities of the above mentioned hops. It is then cold conditioned for a few weeks. The result is an outstanding and unforgettable hop aroma. Starting with an OG of 19 Plato and finishing at 8% ABV, this Imperial Indian Pale is a hop tour de force.

Mendocino Imperial Barley Wine Style Ale

This Imperial Barley Wine Style Ale has a rich amber color with a full, robust body. This Barley Wine style Ale has a traditional warming malt flavor with a delightful hop finish. While exceptionally drinkable now, it will continue to improve with age – taking on subtle flavors of dark fruit, sherry and anise. Hop flavors and aromas will become more rounded and luscious caramel malt notes will become more intense. Brewed with an astonishing starting gravity of 24 Plato and finishing at 11% ABV, this Imperial Barley Wine Ale is not for the faint of heart, though it will reward the adventurous drinker with an unparalleled taste experience.

Mendocino Blonde Ale

Our seasonal Blonde Ale is brewed with the finest 2-row, Carapils and wheat malts, perfectly balanced with fragrant Cascade and Saaz hops. Pale gold in color with a clean, crisp flavor, our Blonde Ale has floral and spicy hop notes with a subtle malt sweetness in the finish. Light-bodied and refreshing, this beer works equally well on its own or paired with seafood, spicy food, barbecue or a host of other choices. A sensational thirst quencher, our Blonde Sale will cool you off on a hot summer’s day.