I Hardcore You, the collaborative IPA from BrewDog and Mikkeller, is reviewed by Chris Hall.
“I Hardcore You is sophisticated in the way a particularly well-orchestrated artillery barrage might be…”
I Hardcore You
BrewDog/Mikkeller
ABV 9.5%
When the likes of BrewDog and Mikkeller get together, the result can only be unadulterated, hop-based carnage. I Hardcore You is the unholy offspring of two of Europe’s craft beer darlings/antagonists; a blend of Mikkeller’s I Beat You IPA (9.7%) and BrewDog’s own Hardcore IPA (9.2%) which was then dry hopped a further two times. Official records are hazy (with good reason) about the exact number of dry hoppings this beer has received, but needless to say it is pure, ashamedly indulgent hop-porn.
A self-righteous, burning amber, I Hardcore You exudes a sense of superiority and obnoxiousness. It also smells sensational, offering the burnt embers of tropical fruits, spices, chunks of white and dark chocolate and a little fresh coffee from nowhere, too. It practically singes the nostrils, reaching right into your cortical stem and demanding you swallow it whole, God help you.
A more measured approach is recommended. It may be blended and brewed to a desired effect, but it is not an old, matured Belgian ale. So, being this strong and young, I was impressed by its gradual burn across the palate, incinerating the delicious helpings of grapefruit, marmalade, chocolate cheesecake, ginger, salted caramel , and soft lychee just as soon as it dispenses them. Everything is fuelled by its raucous, inescapable strength, which displays itself as pineapple-like super-sugary stinging sensation. However, one should not mistake this for precision brewing. I Hardcore You is sophisticated in the way a particularly well-orchestrated artillery barrage might be, providing immediate, overwhelming flavour without really trying to win you over to its cause. The finish is, well, probably still going even as this is published.
I Hardcore You is a cripplingly delicious, irresistible force that should not be taken lightly. In fact, it should not be taken at all unless you are willing to place yourself entirely at its mercy, of which it has none. Make your arrangements, buy the ticket and take the ride. You will not regret it.
