IPA Nectar
May 9, 2008 by Mario
Beer today, specifically West Coast beer, can really get in your face. Arrogant Bastard slaps you around and calls you names, and you like it. Sonoma County IPAs aren’t just big, but ridiculously hoppy, leaving you drowsy not from just from the huge amounts of alcohol, but from the battle that just took place with your taste buds. So when I reached for IPA Nectar, I got ready, I did my stretches, slapped my face a few times, and stared that bottle down. It’s go time!
After all this preparation, IPA Nectar was a breathe of fresh air. I’m not talking about the dry hopped aroma, and smooth drinkability of this beer. I’m also not talking about the sweetness of the malt that rimds me of oranges and honey. What’s so refreshing about this IPA is that it’s so good, so easy to drink, but full of flavor and character without bashing you on the head with a baseball bat made of high alpha hops and alcohol.
Firestone Walker has produced the Nectar Ales for some time now, and their commitment to producing fine beers is evident. With the whole extreme trend among brewers pushing the envelope of what could be squeezed into a beer, it’s nice to see a brewery who is innovative (see what they do with barrel aging) but still has a strong base in crafting a quality brew. Sure, IPA Nectar would make a few Brits cough and wheeze compared to their conservative IPA, but this is America, and we need a little more.
I have to admit, I didn’t sit back and slowly enjoy this one for very long. I took large gulps and knocked it back rather quickly, disappointed that I only bought one. I’m guessing I’ll have to go buy another, or better yet, dive into another brew from the Nectar Ales line that I haven’t tried in some time.
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