It’s called Maximus Ale for a reason. The Lagunitas Brewing Co.  of Petaluma, Calif., has taken the IPA on an overdrive hops-rush to flavor town. Thanks to the powers of the Internet, I know I.B.U. stands for International Bittering Units. A normal American lager has anywhere around 10 units. This ale boasts up to seven times that amount, 72.41.

EXPERIENCE: What do these magic numbers mean? That IPA Maximus Ale is so packed with bitter flavor it’ll leave you with aroma pile-driving your palate and perplexing your mind. It’s a misleading, welcoming dark amber color, like many ales, but the taste is relentless and bitter. If you’re looking for a flavor adventure/challenge, this should be your next beer. If you’re looking to go hard and down more than a couple, I hope you’ll pass, avoiding the noxious throat fumes that will follow you till sunrise.

ADVICE: Enjoy this brew chilled in a standard pint glass so as to promote aroma-wafting. It’ll serve you best as an addition, a side dish, to a hearty meal. With the warm weather in mind, a steak or heavily-dressed burger would suffice.

— by Adam Gromotka