Reviewed by Ron DeGregorio

A few months ago, Cory and I traveled up to Warren, Michigan for Kuhnhenn‘s annual Winter Solstice Party. We arrived at the crack of dawn, stood in a long line while freezing our asses off, and after what seemed like an eternity, were rewarded with some of their rarest and most limited released beers. You can read a review of one of Cory’s purchases; Oud Bruin Ale, but today’s review is all about the Forbidden IPA!

Now, truth be told, I purchased the beer based on the intriguing name. I thought it sounded dangerous. I’m a pretty dangerous guy, myself (okay, not really), but I do enjoy a good IPA, and if it is being released at Winter Solstice, my guess is that it is pretty special!

Here is what Kuhnhenn has to say about their ‘Forbidden’ IPA: “Forbidden’s light fuchsia color comes exclusively from the use of Black Rice. One serving of the rice has the same amount of antioxidants as a serving of blueberries. The “Emperors Rice” was considered FORBIDDEN. Reserved exclusively in ancient China for Royalty. Strong aroma and flavor of American Hops.

So wait. You’re telling me that I can physically benefit from drinking this beer full of antioxidants? Sign me up. I poured this beverage into my official IPA glass and drifted into exfoliating bliss.

APPEARANCE:

Forbidden IPA is absolutely, 100% crystal clear. It’s actually quite amazing just how clear this beverage is; like the picturesque waters of Lake Michigan; you can see straight to the bottom! Aside from the beer’s clarity, Forbidden pours dark reddish/orange, or like a rich copper tone. The advertised fuchsia hue is not apparent to me. The beer looks much more copper toned. There is a decent head, but not as fluffy as other IPAs tend to be. It seemed a little under-carbonated on the pour, but after it made its way into my glass, it was nice and bubbly!

AROMA:

Whew! This beer has an absolutely terrific pine aroma. This has a huge citrus note to it as well, and it is quite lovely. There is a very unique, and quite frankly, hard to describe aroma present. It was sweet, almost a candy smell. It is actually almost like sweet berries or a sweet fruit. There is a milk-soaked cereal aroma, like a bowl of Lucky Charms (I know, that is a really weird metaphor, but that is what it is!)

TASTE:

Forbidden IPA is extremely bitter, with a very slight alcoholic burn, but not in any way off-putting. I hate to keep going back to my bad metaphors, but I swear to you, this beer has a sweetness that is warm and it tastes like a bowl full of marshmallow cereal! It’s strange as hell, but it is so good! There is a resinous citrus punch, and is followed by a mouth-full of sweet bready flavors as well. I know my description of the cereal is strange, but it is dead on, I swear.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, I give the Forbidden IPA a 93, or an A-. I really enjoy the complex, and truly unique flavor and I really love the aroma. The beer didn’t have the fuchsia tone as advertised, but really that’s not a big detractor. I love the fact that this beer used a unique ingredient of Black Rice, which I am almost positive I have not experienced before. The backstory is cool and overall, Kuhnhenn is just a really great brewery. If you get a chance to get your hands on this beer, I say go for it! Trade for it, as this is a rarity!

Thanks for reading, I am suddenly craving a bowl of cereal.

Cheers!