The first special beer release of the new year from Double Mountain Brewery arrived at my doorstep this week: Molten Lava Imperial IPA. The beer is part of the brewery’s “From the Vault” series, revisiting past brews while updating and tweaking the recipes for modern palates.

This new version is 8.6% alcohol by volume, though apparently only 8.2% on draft, which is interesting. It’s been a few years since I’ve last tasted Molten Lava, but with the recipe changes (detailed below) it’s essentially a new beer.

Here is the press release:

Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery is excited to announce the return of a fan favorite, Molten Lava Imperial IPA, as part of their From the Vault Series. Taking beer enthusiasts on a trip down memory lane, this beloved brew is back by popular demand, capturing the essence of the original while introducing exciting updates.

Remembering a classic, the team at Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery reflects on the days when Molten Lava Imperial IPA graced the taps. In the past, this iconic brew was poured into 20oz Imperial pints, offering a smooth and easy-drinking experience. Crafted with a generous infusion of whole leaf hops in the dry hop, Molten Lava achieved a perfect balance of dryness and flavor. Under the guidance of Matt Swihart, Double Mountain’s Brewmaster, the recipe was expertly developed to create the bigger, meaner cousin of Hop Lava, resulting in a truly enjoyable beer-making and drinking experience.

Fast forward a few years, and Molten Lava embraces innovation with the introduction of new hop products, Cryo (TM) and CGX (TM). These products, essentially hop hash with the vegetal matter removed, bring a fresh twist to the brewing process. In lieu of traditional whole leaf dry hopping, the beer now features a blend of these hops, including Centennial, Simcoe, Columbus, and Strata. The result is a tantalizing concoction that’ll transport you to the woods with each sip.

Adding to the excitement, Molten Lava now clocks in at 8.2% on draft and 8.6% in bottles, offering a slightly milder alcohol content compared to the 9%+ of years past. The malt bill has also undergone a transformation, swapping Crystal 75 for Crisp 45, a lighter English crystal malt, and introducing Carafoam for enhanced body and head retention. Combined with Gambrinus Pilsner, the malt bill provides a simple yet supportive platform for the vibrant hop flavors.

In a nod to modern brewing, Molten Lava’s yeast profile has been updated from Abbey yeast to Double Mountain’s house Kviek yeast, known for its ability to handle higher alcohol brews and contribute delightful pineapple and ripe citrus notes that complement the beer’s pine and citrus forward hopping.

“We’ve gotten requests to bring back Molten for years. We resisted. Some things are better left to memory. The mystique grew, and now the time is nigh! We used the knowledge we’ve gained since and some of the modern hop formats to bring it up to date, while still holding true to the original theme. Molten has returned!” declares Greg Balch, Head Brewer at Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery.

To enhance the Molten Lava experience, Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery is releasing an exclusive Spotify playlist to accompany the beer. Additionally, a limited number of Molten Lava t-shirts will be available for purchase, giving fans a tangible way to celebrate the return of this iconic brew.

The aromas in the beer are captivating, fitting the contemporary taste – or as the younger generation might say, “bussin’”. The malt bill has been crafted to be clean and easy, ensuring a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience for a beer of this strength. Recognizing that not all beers are meant to be consumed in abundance, the team emphasizes moderation, as this brew may pleasantly catch you off guard. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the revival of Molten Lava Imperial IPA!

From the Vault

Molten Lava
Imperial IPA
8.6% ABV 88 BU

Remember this one? We reimagined this IIPA from the early 2010’s with some Cryo (™) and CGX (™) hops that weren’t in production when we made this beer last. Same great aromas and flavors, just more of ’em. Lots more. We spiffed up the malt bill too, making the sticky forest, tangelo, and kind green pop. Balanced, bright, and badass.

Double Mountain’s IPAs are always on point, so I expect this will be a good one. Review soon!