Ales For ALS 2016
Columbus Brewing Company

Still a fantastic brew . . . I thought this was just amazing 2 summers ago and considered myself very fortunate to have access to it. In fact I waited and wished CBC would bring this back. This time around it is a more malt forward version than I remember. That's not to say that it's a malt forward ipa just more of a malt presence. Very glad it's around again.

Half-growler filled at Heinen's in Mentor, Ohio

Growler poured into a tulip. Pours golden with nice clarity; fluffy white head that fades leaving nice retention and nice lacing. The aromas have a nice amount of tropical notes with some citrus notes as well. Pineapple, orange and grapefruit is there. Some cracker malts in the mix. The aromas might not be an overpowering blast, but it still smells really good. The flavors have lots of orange. The citrus notes really shine in the flavor department. More grapefruit as well along with some lemon. Pine is there. Malts are there, but the hops edge the malts. Decent bitterness with a touch of sweetness. Subtle resin and syrupy notes in the finish. Alcohol goes unnoticed. Mouthfeel is on the fuller side of medium-bodied with very active carbonation.

This is a nice IPA. Lots of nice citrus flavors. It might not be the flashiest hoppy brew from Columbus, but it's still really good stuff. Well done. It's also brewed for a good cause.

 

Description: Light straw color, clear with a thin white head and lacing. Aroma is strong with big notes of pine/resin with mango, papaya, apple and a collection of fruity goodness. The taste follows the nose - mango, grapefruit, orange and enough pine to know it's there. A nice amount of bitterness on the finish, right where it should be, adding balance to the brew. Body and carbonation are both medium.

Suggested food pairing: I drank this with some Middle Eastern food and it was pretty darn awesome, so, Middle Eastern food.

If you like this beer then you should also try: Sip of Sunshine

Overall: 4.25 (This beer is good and I would likely drink it again) CBC's skill with hops is well documented and this DIPA only serves to reinforce that reputation. Pine, fruit, sweet, bitter; everything here plays together nicely. Didn't know what to expect from this since it's a limited, new release, but it exceeded expectations. If this was an experiment, the experiment is a success. Stop experimenting with this and just brew more.