Favorite Colorado IPAs?

Respectfully disagree on the Alesmith IPA but that is just my opinion. I found that to be an extremely overrated IPA the few times I've had it.

 

If we're talking single IPAs, I think Project Alphas >4 are the only IPAs that compete with top NE and CA breweries. IIPAs are a bit more contentious.

I love Pliny the Elder, but PtY is generally not worth the hype. It's a classic, but its imo definitely not the best West Coast IPA these days. I had Boneyard Notorious and Drakes Hopocalyse Black Label side by side with it last year, and I preferred both over the Younger. A great beer, but not certainly not worth a day of travel/waiting to drink.

As far as Colorado front range IIPAs go, I'm not sure I've had a better one than the Double dry hopped Maharaja. One of Avery's best beers.

The fresh hopped 2x4 from September of this year remains maybe the best IIPA I've ever had, up there with Heady, Abner, and other NE classics. But I still think that between Massachusetts and Vermont, the rest of the country is outclassed.

Colorado is definitely getting better. I love the Codename: Superfan project in principle and execution, and I'm thrilled to have 5.0 available, along with some great S26 offerings, Cannonball, Comrade, etc. The recent Avery Dugana release is killer as well. Lots to love here across the entire beer spectrum, and if any number of these breweries were in MD, NJ, or NY, they would be hyped a hell of a lot more.

 

I think that fresh hopped 2x4 took down a medal at GABF! I'm a sucker for Melvin!

 

It's like finding a pearl in the sea, but if you can find it fresh, it's glorious!

 

That might have been the problem but I did have it on tap and in the bottle and it just didn't make me feel the way I feel about Superpower but then again every time I have Superpower is about as fresh as it gets.

 

So it seems as though two regions have implemented their own twist to the IPA. If rated/reviewed according to style, their beers would not receive high marks. No balance for West Coast, no bite or clarity for New England. If the fervor, then, is on the "twists", maybe Colorado could utilize their own little identity.
I say, glow in the dark IPA...Colorado Style!

 

Looking forward to Cannonball Creek's 3rd Anniversary Double IPA this afternoon.

 

If only Alesmith IPA ever showed up in Denver less than 3 months old when it hit shelves...

 

Wonder if @danybrew would make a stop in Denver to show us how to make it glow!

 

So true on Alesmith IPA, which is why I've enjoyed it most when actually in San Diego where I could score it fresh on draft.

Coming recently from CA, I think if you compare Superpower in a similar context to other West Coast IPAs (i.e. when tasted on draft and fresh from the source) it stands up pretty well. I don't think it's the very best, but there are only a handful of on-draft single "West Coast IPAs" that I would definitely class "above" it in my experience.

-RR Blind Pig
-Alpine Duet
-Alesmith IPA
-FW Union Jack

IMHO that puts Superpower easily in the top 5% of the style.

 

Picked up some Codename Superfan based on the recs in this thread. I am excited. Also picked up a Royal Oil, so it's not been a bad day.

Recently had Superpower and that is probably in my top 3 CO IPAs

 

Come August I will have 2 kids under 2 and am absolutely terrified....in a good way. Do you even have time to drink beer?

 

Just tried the canned IPA from Finkel & Garf Brewery. Reminds me a lot of the S26 Chinook Single hop series in terms of being super clean, dry, and filtered. The S26 Chinook was more piney, whereas this F&G is more citrusy so I doubt its all Chinook. Anyone know what hop or hops they use?

 

Whoa - so final (5.0) Codename: Superfan -- I'm not loving this. What happened?!? I much prefer 4.0 and the earlier versions ... This just really isn't great. No nose, taste is meh -- ouch.

 

I felt the same way. After the comment from the brewer above I'm letting mine set for a few days.

 

Went back to 4 noses tonight for a second crack at 'bout damn time. It's awesome. I will again recommend it for anyone looking for a great IPA. I swooped a growler for the Broncos game.

@eawolff99 im totally bummed your aren't a fan of 5.0. I think it's the best version yet but to each their own. The cans I got I was thrilled with. I hope you give it another try!

 

You too, @tylerstravis lol!

 

Thanks bud - I'm sure I will - was the last beer of a very long night that started w Black Tuesday - so I hope it's just pallate fatigue. I bought 3 - 6 packs so it better redeem itself!! :-). I have faith in my boy Ryan!!

 

I just think it's CO's best representation of that "NE" style IPA. I agree the nose was lacking but I feel like the taste was fantastic!

 

RE: Superfan

NEEDS MORE DRY HOPS!!! Big time and its perfect. I like the flavor, but I wanna smell it from across the room.