Hops Madness: Round 1

Well, the National IPA Championship has completed Round 1 and I have to say, I’m kind of bummed. I don’t know much about the inner workings of this competition, but I am entitled to my opinion on this competition that has absolutely no real world consequences.

First thing I see is that Hop Devil and 60 minute IPA didn’t make it out of the first round. I have had Dogfish Head’s IPA and I like it a lot. I assumed reputation alone would carry these two brews into at least Round 3, but, apparently, I assumed incorrectly. I was also disappointed to see Moylan’s IPA lose to a beer I haven’t tried before, but that was more a regional pick than anything. I personally think Northern California, Specifically the Russian River Valley, is the best place for IPA, but I am slightly biased. Speaking of which, where’s Racer 5? An IPA festival without Racer 5 has to be considered slightly flawed.

I will add my comments each week as the competition advances, but I doubt there will be a whole lot to say until the end. Right now I’m pulling for Anderson Valley’s Hop Ottin’ IPA, with some rooting interest lying with Lagunitas and Lost Coast’s Indica IPA.

Click the image below for a full size bracket.