The second interpretation of the old triple (or 'imperial') IPA Brouwbar makes, after last year's TI26. Tasted (in 'avant-première') from a bottle in the early stages of the beer, which will no doubt evolve quickly in the coming weeks, something I must keep an eye on... Irregularly lacing, off-white, opening head, reduced to a ring and a thin veil in the middle but in that sense holding well, over a lightly hazed, deep amber-tinged warm orange blonde beer, misty with sediment. Intense and indeed classic IIPA nose: orange liqueur, marmelade, yellow raisins, candied peach, cognac, 'mangojenever', orange water, wodka, soggy biscuit, moist white pepper. Sweet onset, ripe pear, candied peach and orange with a dash of mango somewhere but all cleanish and streamlined, softly carbonated with a full, oily, even vinous mouthfeel; lovely biscuity, caramelly and marmalade-like middle, deeply but elegantly malty under an elaborate hop structure bringing retronasal impressions of fresh orange peel, pink grapefruit, mandarin, olive oil and paprika, but also a long, yet soft-edged citrus pith-like bitterness that works well with the warming glow provided by a Grand Marnier-like alcohol presence. Sweet biscuity malts function as a softening 'bed' on which it all happens - keeping the whole, intense as it may be, elegant, streamlined and accessible, as typifies Brouwbar's house style. This TI48, however, does seem to surpass the original TI26 a bit in (hop) intensity and boldness, but also in balance and elegance; barleywine-esque (the American way), powerful and beautiful beer, one of Brouwbar's all time best so far for me.