A Pint Half Full

I went on a little IPA binge a couple weeks ago, went to my Total Wine on the hunt.  As usual I stood there in the beer aisle, debating what I wanted to try.  It's like going to Toys R Us as a kid and picking which GI Joe you wanted next.  I was in the mood for something hoppy that would blow my mind, pucker my mouth, and shrivel my tongue (sometimes you're just in one of those moods). 

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, were originally brewed to survive the long journey from England to India along that "trade-route-that-we-learned-about-in-high-school".  These beers were brewed with tons of hops to take advantage of the preservative nature of the ingredient.  That means these beers are all about that hop bitterness and aroma that opens up your sinuses.  When tasted, you'll get a whiff of spice, pine, perhaps some citrus (grapefruit, lemons, oranges) followed by a dryness or at least lingering bitterness to the back of the tongue.

I asked the beer guy at Total Wine what he recommended and he told me about two beers from breweries from the West Coast.  Seems like alot of good beers are from Cali these days. 

Purchased from:
Whole Foods, Fair Lakes

ABV%:
6%

Type:
Amber Ale

Color:
Caramelly and red glow

Aroma:
Well rounded, fresh hops, with hints of oranges - not tangy like lemons or grapefruits.

Taste:
A pleasant hop bite that cuts through the blend of slight malt sweetness and bitterness.  A wonderful balance.  Tastes somewhat "juicy" and thirst quenching.  Ends with a little spice that reminds me of cayenne.

Overall:
I've heard of Troeg's Brewery before but the only beer I've had from them was Nugget Nectar which I wasn't too fond of.  I saw a 6-pack of the Hopback and decided to give it a try as it is one of their year round offerings.  I am glad I tried it.  Perfectly balanced, with the right amount of alcohol content, this is a refreshing beer perfect for bbqs and the summer.  It can be subtle and in your face at the same time.  Could drink multiple bottles with not problem.  The spice in the end just gives it a little bit of personality and kick.  Thank you Troegs! 

4.5/5