As summer approaches I am always looking for new beers to try. Though I love IPAs and beers with high ABV it can be difficult to drink more than one or two, especially when day drinking or tailgating. However this week I am drinking a brew that satisfied my IPA craving yet it also was well balanced and much lighter than I was expecting. This weekend Horny Goat Brewing Company’s Wisconzin IPA is What’s on Tap.
Brewing out of the great beer state Wisconsin, Horny Goat Brewery is producing some very interesting and drinkable brews. I recently enjoyed their year round Wisconzin IPA and was struck at the combination of aromas and flavor. Just as the brew was poured I immediately took note of the strong aromas of citrus, hops, and sweet malts.
Wisconzin IPA’s taste is classic IPA, huge citrusy hops up front, which are offset with the brew’s malt, and the brew finishes with a combination of bitter-sweetness. What I enjoyed most about the brew’s taste was the subtle sweetness somewhere in the middle of each sip, which is from the Zinfandel grapes added during the brew’s fermenting process. As I was drinking Wisconzin I was surprised to find the beer was 7.1% ABV. Typically a brew with this flavor profile and relatively high in ABV would not make for a great summer brew but I found Wisconzin to be very crisp, refreshing, and a drinkable IPA.
Though a classic IPA brew, Wisconzin does have subtle flavors that lend itself to pair with many different foods and dishes. This weekend I am grilling blackened grouper with backed potatoes; a classic summer dish that will provide just enough spicy to pair with the brew.
Cheers!
Beer Stats
Style: American Indian Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 7.1%
IBUs: 70
Color: Lighter Amber / Orangeish
Hops: Citra and Amarillo
Beer Review Stats
Beer Advocate: 83
Rate Beer: 70
