With a 4.09 overall brewery score on Untappd out of more than one million ratings, Prairie Artisan Ales put Oklahoma on the craft beer map and remains its most famous brewing institution.  And once you taste the pineapple and lime flavors of of today’s Double IPA, you’ll know why.

When Prairie first released Phantasmagoria DIPA, they called it a nod to West Coast hoppiness. Sure, it dials in the hoppy bitterness of the style, but it integrates NE-style fruitiness -- making it extremely soft and drinkable for its imperial strength. The juiciness is very real, but it might take some imagination to believe it’s 8% ABV.

Ripe aromas of tangy pineapple and crushed lime rush from a bright golden pour. A pale malt base stays out of the way of vivid tropical fruity hops: sweet mango, mellow muskmelon, and subtle guava storm the palate like a juice tsunami. Then a splash of drying woody pine and orange peel comes through in the finish, drawing you back for another sip.

Leave it to Prairie to make your hoppy dreams reality, like they’ve done for over a million Untappd fans with beers like BOMB! and Phantasmagoria.  They bring fantastical fruitiness and smooth piney hop character to reality in this crisp fruit splash.

Rated 4.08 on BeerAdvocate

Packaged on 4/23/18