May 10, 2014 Show

We are taking another look at IPA's this week, some very familiar to craft beer lovers and others under-appreciated or not as well known in general.  We were also joined by the lovely and award winning Chef Gene Philbin from Peculiar Culinary Company to take another look at food and beer pairings.  Freddie was running a 5K this week (no joke!) so we were joined by the wonderful Kyle to handle the hosting duties!

Abita Brewing Co.- Spring IPA: We began with the lightest of the bunch, but definitely not light on the flavor!  The hop selection of Amarillo and Centennial combined for a spicy citrus note while the light pale malt made for a refreshingly crisp IPA.  A definite choice IPA for those who are new to the style, but enough complexity and enjoyment for even the most jaded of IPA drinkers!

Stone Brewing Co.- Stone IPA:  This is a very familiar to IPA lovers from all levels and with good reason, its highly drinkable and remains a go to IPA throughout your drinking career!  This possesses much more of a hop punch than the previous with strong notes of pine, citrus, and overall dankness of fresh hops.  Very bitter, but still very balanced and highly recommended.  Despite being very aggressively hopped, Stone IPA still maintains balance and is still a great IPA to try for those getting into the style.

Tröegs Brewing Company- Perpetual IPA:  This Double IPA brings the hops!  The brewery utilizes the hopback and dry hopping to deliver the one-two punch from the hops.  Strong citrus hop notes are backed by sweet pale malts which also shine through in the taste.  The 7.5% ABV is extremely well hidden and will definitely sneak up on you.  If you are a fan of IPA's, do yourself a fan and hunt this one down!

Dogfish Head Brewery- Rhizing Bines: This collaboration beer between Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada resulted in not only a fantastic Double IPA, but also new glassware!  The wonderfully designed IPA glass enhances both aroma and taste in IPA's and thankfully came along with a fantastic IPA to match with it.  The strong malt bill makes its presence known and gives this beer a layer of depth and heavier mouthfeel, but is still extremely smooth and very easy drinking.  This is certainly an example of a collaboration working perfectly!

This weeks special 5th beer from Derek's fridge:

Boulevard Brewing Company- Double Wide IPA: The highest ABV of the day coming in at 8.5%, but incredibly smooth, easy drinking, and absolutely no hint of this high ABV.  This is certainly a malt forward IPA, but in the best way possible.  The sweet malt hits up front and leave the hop flavor and aroma to linger long, making for a truly enjoyable drinking experience.  The hands down favorite IPA of the show and with good reason, it is a world class beer!