Beer Reviews

Stryker (Imperial IPA)

It’s electric! Stryker (9.3% | 100+ IBU) comes from the mind of our brewer Aaron Stryker, a noted fan of all things hoppy. Dank and citrusy, this Imperial IPA is infinitely balanced and quaffable.

Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Malts: Pale Ale, Flaked Rye, Vienna, Dextrose

Hops: Galaxy, Citra, Amarillo

What’s the story behind Stryker?

Back in 2014, our brewer Aaron Stryker was offered a chance to create a recipe for a one-off beer. He suggested a Roggenbier. That was quickly typecast as a hipster brewer beer and turned down. He knew we loved our hops and he’s been known in the past to make big and robust IPAs, so he went back to his roots and made a huge IPA with more hops than we thought was even logical.

4 pack of Rhinegeist Stryker Imperial IPA

In 2017, this beer transitioned from a Triple IPA to an Imperial IPA. What’s the difference between the two styles?

The “Triple IPA,” is kind of a vague style. As American brewers were pushing the limits of hoppy beers (more hops, more alcohol), some of the Double or Imperial IPAs were pushing the boundaries of the parameters of the style, hence the “Triple IPA,” moniker. This canned iteration (and the 2017 bottle release) of Stryker has a slightly lower ABV than the original brew.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

It’s surprisingly balanced and super drinkable.

What are some other Imperial IPAs that you dig?

The standard of the style has been Pliny the Elder, still to this day a fantastic beer. Citra High by our friends over at Madtree is outstanding, as well as Arctic Panzer Wolf by 3 Floyds and Hop Juju by Fat Head’s.


Appearance: Slightly hazy, dark orange with a nice white head.

Aroma: Lots of grapefruit with underlying peach.

Taste: Balanced malt character with hop bitterness and citrus flavors.

Mouthfeel: Medium body, medium carbonation and a little alcohol warmth.

Overall: A very balanced Imperial IPA with an abundance of citrus, grapefruit, and an undercurrent of piney/resiny flavors and aromas. The bitterness isn’t too overpowering for a beer of its type.

What foods would pair well with Stryker?

Thai food, anything spicy would go quite well.

Ideal glassware for Stryker?

Snifter.