Beer Pick: Sweetwater Magnum IP Imperial Pilsner

Profile: The latest Dank Tank creation, Magnum IP Imperial Pilsner, is another fun experiment from Sweetwater brewers Nick Nock and Mark Medlin. This time the duo takes chances with loads of Cascade and Sterling hops packed into a hefty 9-percent alcohol by volume lager. But beyond its high gravity and bracing bitterness, Magnum IP is surprisingly crisp and clean, with hints of the soft sulfate notes found in classic German pilsner.

In typical Sweetwater fashion, the promotional schtick is a take on the “Magnum P.I.” television show of the 1980s, expressed on the label with the Dank Tank freak dressed in Tom Selleck garb. Look for special Magnum package store events on July 17, with a vintage red Ferrari parked at Green’s on Ponce and Tower on Piedmont.

Pair with: Match the big, crisp flavors of Magnum IP with bold seafood or poultry dishes, such as spicy shrimp or jerk chicken, or try it with sharp cheeses.

Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly beer publication distributed throughout the Southeast: brewingnews.com/southernbrew