It’s been a busy Saturday. I picked up 40 bags of mulch and have been working on the yard most of the day, including burning branches that have fallen into the yard. The last hour or so, I’ve been sipping on Bourbon and watching the build-up to the Kentucky Derby. I decided to review one of the beers I picked up during our Bourbon Trail trip a couple months ago. So cheers to the Derby and this Louisville IPA. The can says, “it takes strength to remain unwavering in the face of adversity. This American IPA celebrates the heros Who stand up for something greater than themselves and unselfishly strive to build a greater community. Bold, balanced, and happy, this beer is for those who don’t quit. Those who give all they can. Those who always find a way.”
Location: Poured into a goblet glass from the can at my home in Bloomington, IL.
Numbers: 7% ABV, ~210 Calories
Appearance & Aroma: It’s deep amber in color, and pretty hazy, with a little bit of sediment. It had a huge rocky head on it that fell to a thin layer after a few minutes. It has a piney, slightly citrusy hop aroma.
Taste & Feel: The body is medium and the mouthfeel is crisp from the hops, and a bit oily from them as well. There’s a mix of sweet and piney bitter juiciness up from the hops up front, but the bitterness comes up slightly in the middle. It’s still mostly piney juiciness though in the middle, as the bitterness peaks in the finish – growing over the piney juiciness. The bitterness sticks around for a minute or two in the aftertaste.
Food Pairing: With the sweet hop juiciness and bitterness present in this beer, I’d probably pair it with something savory, like a cheese burger that could further contrast those contrasting flavors.
Overall Impression: I enjoyed the hop flavors, and I love the juiciness the hops provided throughout. I thought the juiciness up front, yielding slightly to the bitterness in the finish provided a great balance that lasted throughout each sip. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good IPA, and next time I’m in the Louisville area, will have to remember to bring a six pack of this back.
My Rating: 
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