5 Reasons Icarus Brewing’s Pollux Imperial IPA Cans Are The Ultimate Juicy Tropical Hop Bomb
As of December 24, 2025, Icarus Brewing’s Pollux Imperial IPA remains a legendary staple in the New Jersey craft beer scene, consistently delivering a vibrant, tropical punch that defines the modern New England-style Imperial IPA (NEIIPA). This isn't just another hazy beer; it's a meticulously crafted 8.2% ABV double IPA that stands out with its bold hop profile and creamy mouthfeel, solidifying its status as a must-try for any serious hop enthusiast.
The allure of Pollux lies in its balance—a high-ABV brew that drinks surprisingly smooth, masking its strength with layers of juicy, fruit-forward hop character. From the moment the 16 oz can is cracked, the aroma promises a tropical escape, a signature of the Brick Township-based brewery's commitment to bold and creative recipes.
The Cosmic Profile of Pollux: ABV, Style, and The Gemini Connection
Icarus Brewing Company, based in Brick Township, New Jersey, has built a reputation on brewing high-quality, hop-forward beers, and the Pollux Imperial IPA is a shining example of their expertise. Its name, "Pollux," is a direct reference to the Gemini constellation, the twin of "Castor," hinting at a collaborative or paired brew that adds a layer of depth to the brewery's narrative.
The Pollux Imperial IPA is officially classified as a New England-style Imperial India Pale Ale (NEIIPA) or Double IPA (DIPA). This style is characterized by its hazy appearance, low bitterness, and intense, fruit-forward hop aroma and flavor.
- Style: New England-style Imperial India Pale Ale (NEIIPA)
- Alcohol By Volume (ABV): A potent 8.2% ABV
- Packaging: Typically found in 4-pack, 16 oz. cans
- Malt Bill: Brewed with a complex grain base including Floor Malted Pilsen, Oats, White Wheat, and Dextrin Malt
- Mouthfeel: The generous use of Oats and White Wheat is crucial, providing the signature soft, full, and creamy mouthfeel that helps temper the high ABV and allows the hop flavors to truly shine.
The pairing with its twin, Castor Imperial IPA, which was brewed in collaboration with Caius Farm Brewery, establishes a strong topical authority, showcasing Icarus's dedication to both exceptional single brews and collaborative projects. This twin-star theme is a nod to the brewery’s cosmic branding and commitment to innovation.
Unpacking the Tropical Hop Bomb: Citra, Nectaron, and Krush
The true magic of the Pollux Imperial IPA lies in its explosive hop combination, which is specifically designed to maximize "juicy tropical" notes. The beer is initially hopped with Citra and then "profusely dry-hopped" with a blend that includes Nectaron and Krush. This double dry-hopping technique is what gives Pollux its vibrant, intoxicating aroma and flavor profile.
The Flavor Breakdown: A Symphony of Tropical Fruit
The choice of hops is intentional, creating a multi-layered fruit experience that avoids the harsh bitterness of older IPA styles. The flavor profile is a complex matrix of tropical and citrus notes:
- Citra Hops: The foundation of the profile, Citra is famous for its intense notes of grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, and bright, zesty orange. It provides a sharp, clean citrus backbone.
- Nectaron Hops: The star of the dry-hop, Nectaron is a New Zealand hop known for its outrageously intense tropical fruit character. Expect huge bursts of pineapple, passion fruit, peach, and a creamy citrus zest that elevates the "juicy" factor.
- Krush/Unique Blend: The inclusion of "Krush" (likely a proprietary blend or a unique experimental hop) adds a layer of complexity, pushing the beer beyond standard DIPA expectations and contributing to the overall vibrant hop profile.
The combination results in a beer that tastes like a freshly blended tropical smoothie, but with a significant 8.2% ABV kick. The beer’s high rating on platforms like Untappd (around 4 out of 5) is a testament to the successful execution of this hop-forward vision.
The Icarus Imperial IPA Pantheon: Topical Authority and LSI Keywords
To understand the importance of Pollux, one must place it within the context of Icarus Brewing's broader portfolio of high-ABV, hop-forward beers. The brewery is a powerhouse of Imperial IPA creativity, with Pollux being one of many highly sought-after releases. Exploring these related brews is essential for building topical authority and discovering other excellent New Jersey craft beer options.
Other notable Imperial IPAs and Double IPAs from Icarus Brewing that share a similar philosophy of bold flavor and high quality include:
- Castor Imperial IPA: The legendary twin of Pollux, often sharing a similar malt base but featuring a distinct hop profile.
- Power Juicer Imperial IPA: A Triple Galaxy Imperial India Pale Ale, known for its extreme juiciness and Galaxy hop intensity.
- Not A Schooner Brux Imperial IPA: A Brux North East Imperial India Pale Ale, which often features a complex hop bill including Columbus, Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic.
- Waikikamukau: Another American Double/Imperial IPA that consistently receives high praise for its tropical and resinous notes.
- For The Story Imperial IPA: A rotating DIPA that showcases the brewery's commitment to constant innovation and unique hop blends.
- Its Official Imperial IPA: A frequently released DIPA that has become a fan-favorite staple.
The existence of this "pantheon" of Imperial IPAs demonstrates that Pollux is not a one-off gimmick, but a key component of a focused, high-quality brewing program. Icarus Brewing consistently rotates these high-demand releases, ensuring that the beer you find in cans is always fresh and true to its vibrant, juicy style. The use of premium ingredients like Floor Malted Pilsen and specific hop varieties like Nectaron and Citra across their DIPA portfolio is a hallmark of their quality.
Why Pollux Imperial IPA Cans Are a Must-Try Right Now
For craft beer drinkers in late 2025, seeking out the Icarus Brewing Pollux Imperial IPA cans is a necessity for several reasons. It perfectly encapsulates the peak of the modern NEIIPA style, offering a dense, hazy visual appeal and a flavor profile that is both intensely fruity and remarkably smooth. The combination of the rich malt base (Oats, White Wheat, Dextrin Malt) and the aggressive dry-hopping with high-impact hops (Citra, Nectaron) creates a drinking experience that is both decadent and refreshing.
Whether you are a long-time fan of New Jersey craft beer, a seeker of the highest-rated Double IPAs, or simply looking for the next great "juicy tropical" hop bomb, Pollux delivers. Look for the distinctive 16 oz cans at your local craft beer retailer or directly from the Icarus Brewing tasting room in Brick Township, NJ, to experience this stellar brew firsthand.
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