Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project is a Loveland darling, known for taking risks and creating innovative, exciting beers that differentiate their taproom from the rest of the pack. From their Killer Boots Caramel Porter to the “Rollin’ In Ze” series that is compiled of goses that employ flavors ranging from mango to Palisade peach, the mantra that there’s a beer for all is the apparent theme with the tap list. One of the powerhouses that have become a staple in the taproom is the Blood Guardian Imperial IPA, and it’s easy to see why it is so popular.

ABV: 9% | IBU: 100

Blood Guardian is an imperial IPA one of those rare beers that is high in alcohol content, but tastes light and doesn’t bog you down if you get a little excited and guzzle down a couple pints too fast. Clocking in at a hefty 9% ABV, this imperial IPA is a wonderful vibrant orange color, dark or bright depending on the light in the room. A healthy pour provides a full and frothy foam head, sitting atop a light, bubbly orange liquid.

This beer is hop forward, but does not blow out your palate with a mouth full of hop flavor. Instead, the taste starts with hops and earthiness, but morphs into something sour and tart, finishing with the bright blood orange taste. The linger of dark citrus is pleasant and leaves you wondering how many pints of this brew would be too many (Answer: Probably three. Three can be too many). The interesting thing about this beer is that it works across the seasons. Not only is it an easy-drinking beer that you can sip on while on the lake or playing cornhole, but it also lends itself perfectly to those cold nights when the snow is falling and you don’t want to shovel out your car to make a trip to the liquor store.

Verboten Brewing & Barrel Project is rapidly expanding their taproom and brewing facilities in Downtown Loveland, but the quality of the beer is constant. Grab a bomber, stop by the taproom, give them a follow on Instagram and a like on Facebook, and be on the lookout for Verboten cans later this year.

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