I am hosting a charity beer tasting at my house in 10 days and have a group coming many of whom are reasonably educated in beer but certainly not to the extent of those of you who frequent this site. I have decided to make the theme to showcase different hop flavors from the various major brewing traditions and then show how the American approach to hopping has influenced other countries. I want to use easily available beers (here in North Carolina) and that presents a problem.....I haven't tasted many of the widely available beers around here for quite some time so I am looking for recommendations. I thought I would start with the basics: Pilsener English-style IPA Belgian Pale Ale East Coast style IPA And then move on to some newer styles: West Coast IPA Belgian IPA Maybe some other hybrids I'm wide open for suggestions for both beers and any styles that I am missing. Thanks in advance for helping out.
Just to clarify, I am interested in widely available beers rather than beers specific to the south-Atlantic region although I am open to any suggestions.
Since you are focusing on hop flavors and freshness is important for a peak hop taste experience I suggest that you work with a local bottle shop that has a good computer inventory that shows date added to inventory so that you can ask for the freshest beer in each of the styles that are on your list. If the store has a large selection that allows for multiple beers that are fresh choices then you could look at the BA rating for each beer to determine your selection. If you really need more style selections then I'll recommend that you add a Wheat IPA, American Pale Ale, and also consider an ESB that has the reputation of tending toward a hoppy character. You could also consider some single-hopped IPAs.
Pilsners - Olde Hickory PIsgah EIPA - ? BPA - ? East Coast IPA - Victory Dirt Wolf (fresh @ Bestway) Bells 2 Hearted West Coast IPA- NODA Hop Drop & Roll Triple C Old Hickory Death By Hops Green Flash Palate Wrecker Stone UNITA Hop Notch Moylans Hopsicle
Since you are in NC, you should have, IMO, the three best II/IPAs in NC… Hop Drop n' Roll, Jade, Freak of Nature.
Pilsener Weihenstephaner Pilsner English-style IPA Fuller's Bengal Lancer Belgian Pale Ale Ommegang Rare Vos or Affligem Blonde East Coast style IPA Dogfish Head 90 Minute (under 2 months) or Victory Hop Devil West Coast IPA Ballast Point Big Eye Belgian IPA Flying Dog Raging Bitch
light beers first then move on to the heavier ipa"s because hoppier beers tend to ruin your pallet more.... its like wine tasting you always do light to red!!!!
Thanks to all for the suggestions. Here is what I plan to serve: Traditional: Pilsener - Prima Pils English IPA - Goose Island IPA Belgian Pale - Affligem Blonde East Coast IPA - Two Hearted Variants: West Coast IPA - NODA Hop Drop n Roll Belgian IPA - Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel White IPA - Saranac White IPA Double IPA - Victory DirtWolf
Pilsener - sly fox pikeland pils English-style IPA- three heads blimey Belgian Pale Ale - ommegang BPA East Coast style IPA - Sixpoint Resin And then move on to some newer styles: West Coast IPA - West Coast IPA by Green Flash Belgian IPA - Raging Bitch by Flying Dog Maybe some other hybrids -???
Don't forget to set out the saltines and serve up water at least every third or fourth beer you try. The saltines for your palates and the water to curb the hangover for your inexperienced friends who are probably used to 4% BMC and not 5-9% craft. Cheers and have fun! Tastings always are.
