MARS
Belgian-style Imperial Red IPA

8.7 % Alcohol By Volume

85 International Bittering Units (IBUs)

P4 = fourth planet from The [Midnight] Sun

Named after the Roman god of war, MARS radiates red color and brilliant beauty yet enrages the taste buds with wrathful force. This Imperial IPA seizes its intense bitterness from an immense amount of hops. Belgian yeast retaliates, adding complexity and character.

LOGISTICS LOG:
designed to represent the Red Planet--a Red Imperial India Pale Ale--using wrathful American hops and Belgian yeast. primary fermentation and aging occurred in stainless steel. controlled conditioning achieved during secondary fermentation in bottle and cask. no other data available at this time. approach with caution.

Availability:
AK - draft and 22-oz bottles (limited release begins 04/11/08)

MSBC Brewer/Chef Ben sez:
Mars has an intense hop flavor and aroma with some spiciness due to the Belgian yeast. This character requires it to be paired with intense, strongly flavored foods. Try using the heat of spicy foods to balance out the beer's flavors. A spicy gumbo would provide just the right amount of heat and richness to compliment the bold bitterness of the beer.
Recipe: GUMBO

Cheese Pairing: Once again the big hoppy flavors of Mars require careful consideration when selecting a cheese to pair with. An extra sharp cheddar (such as Black Diamond or Dubliner) has the right amount of bite to stand up to this beer. An aged goat cheddar would also work well. BRIDGE: spicy, salty, carmelized pecans or almonds.