La Pelona
Treintaycinco Fábrica de Cervezas

 

 

 

 

 

after experiencing what felt like an absolute ton of upstart costa rican craft beer over the last ten days, these guys emerged as my favorite operation of the lot. everything they did was great, and these beers could easily make waves in the american market. this is their main ipa, and they seem to do hops better than almost anyone else i tried beer from on this trip. cool little stubby bottles with graphic labels, but i also saw this one around on tap quite a bit too. its ever so slightly hazy, golden, and heady, looks pretty poured into a frosted mug (apparently the costa rica vessel of choice). aroma shows new school hops and hopping techniques, this is not a malty bitter english type brew, but very much american, super bright and juicy, with a lot of alpha acid punch as well. citra maybe, but other varietals too, its grassy and earthy at the same time, vegetal and new tasting, but also fairly citric, bitter, and abrasive. the malt provides some body and a touch of light sweetness without interfering with the hops much, and this has a strong dry hop characteristic to it. it could easily have been made here in the states, and it wouldnt surprise me to learn that the brewer had some experience in american craft beer, as this is super authentic and balanced and great, very true to style, and feels professional with the dry bitter finish and the jazzy carbonation. i loved all the beers i had from these guys, and while this was one of the less adventurous, it was probably also the most technically solid. fantastically good by any standard, but really impressive from an unheard of latin american brewery, who knew?! so awesome!

350 ml stubby bottle dated 23/12/16. 6 days old!

Pleasantly surprised with this brew. Every pale ale or IPA I've had from CR so far has tasted out of date and way too bitter. This this is loaded with hop aroma and flavor and the bitterness is kept at bay. It has a green character that reminds me a little of The Veil's IPAs. Mouthfeel is incredible. Well done, ticos.