EZ : IPA
Van Henion Brewing Company

This was another beer that I picked up at a Safeway in Corvalis, Oregon when I was out that way a few months back. Never had anything from Van Henion before and as a near-session beer, this was just as enjoyable as the Founders All Day!

Really nice hazy golden hue to this as it was topped off with a ton of foam that was a bit uneven, but full and long-lasting. A beautiful array of spotty suds stayed behind as I sipped this as the cap never fully subsided. Orange blossom, deep tropical fruits, dank chocolate, and a bit of weed were all in the nose as the taste was just as filling and enjoyable. Juicy and liberally dry-hopped, this never hit me over the head with bitterness - even though the flavors were enduring. Some floral notes out of Florida emerged once this warmed up, that gave way to a slightly sweet and sticky finish.

Canned on 7/29, this held up well as there wasn't any sediment to be had and the freshness was still evident. Really enjoyed this beer and was glad to have gotten four cans, as I look forward to relaxing with this once again!

Van Henion has seemingly mastered the creation of low to moderate ABV brews. This 5.7 ABV IPA leaves nothing out. It has the full appearance, flavor and mouthfeel of heftier IPA's. Good malt base. Citrus nuance, surprisingly hoppy for a ‘light’ IPA - clean finish. My personal advice (likely not a high demand opinion): if your looking for a ‘light’ IPA, go the extra 1% ABV with the Van Henion…instead of the ‘All Day’ one.

Privileged to be the first to review this beer, also my first entry on this forum. Oregon local in the never ending search for session-able ales. This brew is branded as an IPA but checks all the boxes of a session IPA / APA or Pale Ale. As a mass consumer in the PNW I’m gravely disappointed in the lack of -truly-drinkable ales available at super markets and corner stores. I have been appreciating Van Henion’s offerings in the world of six packs, my interpretation being that they specialize in lagers, their kolsch and helles lager being exceptionally great for canned PNW interpretations of classic German beers. Any experience with VH on draft yielded similar results, refreshing, uniquely crisp. Attributed to central Oregon’s water profile and overall good design. Still a novelty, for me, as they lack the characteristics that I have grown to demand out of an everyday beer, especially in the search for the all-arounder, 4-season drink anywhere anytime ale. Their flagship green label IPA is simply too rich for my blood. Could sap 2-3 cans in colder months at best.

The EZ-IPA caught my eye on the board at my local taproom. Imagining Van Henion’s qualities in a session IPA was an easy yes, and did not disappoint. My local doubles as a bottle shop and purchased all remaining stock in 12oz cans to take home. Finally, a session ale that leaves you wanting more. These types of beer are hard to find, in my experience.