Recently I have come across a series of IPA's with similar tastes and characteristics. I'll be profiling them in upcoming posts beginning with this one.
First up we have Rebel IPA from Samuel Adams. It advertises itself as a "West Coast style" IPA. Not sure what that means other than they might be aiming at the Sierra Nevada market. (Is that a clue as to which IPA we'll be looking at next?).
At first glance it appears "West Coast Style" means lighter than normal. The color is definitely a shade or two lighter than most Sam Adams IPA's. And the taste and texture are also lighter.
The aroma that hits you at first is the hoppiness you expect from an IPA. But there was something else I couldn't place at first.
Then I took the first swallow. Again there was the bitterness of hops, but it was well balanced, again with that different taste. At first I called it "citrus" but that was too generic. Then like a flash it hit me - grapefruit! The aroma and the taste were that of grapefruit. And that taste was present in the aftertaste after you swallowed as well.
This IPA is a tad on the bitter side, but overall it was balanced, clean and refreshing. This could definitely serve as a session beer. I certainly would not tire of it, and it would not be too filling or overwhelming in any negative way.
I may have been tempted to give Rebel IPA 8 mugs out of 10, but having tasted some similar brews in the class I am giving it 7 mugs out of 10. A very good and delicious beer, but it can be done better. How's that for a tease for next time?
Until then, drink well!
First up we have Rebel IPA from Samuel Adams. It advertises itself as a "West Coast style" IPA. Not sure what that means other than they might be aiming at the Sierra Nevada market. (Is that a clue as to which IPA we'll be looking at next?).
At first glance it appears "West Coast Style" means lighter than normal. The color is definitely a shade or two lighter than most Sam Adams IPA's. And the taste and texture are also lighter.
The aroma that hits you at first is the hoppiness you expect from an IPA. But there was something else I couldn't place at first.
Then I took the first swallow. Again there was the bitterness of hops, but it was well balanced, again with that different taste. At first I called it "citrus" but that was too generic. Then like a flash it hit me - grapefruit! The aroma and the taste were that of grapefruit. And that taste was present in the aftertaste after you swallowed as well.
This IPA is a tad on the bitter side, but overall it was balanced, clean and refreshing. This could definitely serve as a session beer. I certainly would not tire of it, and it would not be too filling or overwhelming in any negative way.
I may have been tempted to give Rebel IPA 8 mugs out of 10, but having tasted some similar brews in the class I am giving it 7 mugs out of 10. A very good and delicious beer, but it can be done better. How's that for a tease for next time?
Until then, drink well!
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