Racer 5 (Bear Republic Brewing Co.)

They say that Memorial Day weekend represents the unofficial start of summer. That is definitely true here in Maine! Look around and all you see are out of state plates! I couldn't think of a better beer to kick off my unofficial start to summer than Bear Republic's Racer 5. This is one hell of a great West Coast IPA!

From Bear Republic's site:

"This is a hoppy IPA. Did I say hops? Your brewer is a hop head! This is a full bodied beer using American grains. The goal was to create a base for showing off the unique floral qualities of two Pacific Northwest hops, Columbus and Cascade. Columbus is a new hybrid High Alpha Acid hop used mostly for bittering, but used heavily as an aromatic in this strong brew. Cascade is the balance that ties the malt and bittering hops together. It is a true specialty ale and is our brewer's statement on this style."

That should encourage any hophead to go and seek this one out!

Pours an awe-inspiring shiny golden color. The type that some ancient civilization would probably worship. Its almost bright orange and the head is rich and creamy white. It looks like a pancake ready to be flipped! 

Smell is extremely citrusy. Think lemons and grapefruits, not to mention fresh cascade hops. I love the way those Pacific Northwest hops can transform the smell of a beer from casual to just plain amazing. 

First sip of this beer is tongue numbing. Absolute hop bitterness. Tastes like fresh squeezed grapefruit juice with a cane sugar finish to balance things out. This beer is very refreshing. Its hard not to take big sips of this. I should have bought a second bottle so I could savor the tastes of that one and drank this one in big mouthfuls like the hop pig that I am. Great job Bear Republic!

Since we can't get Bear Republic here in Maine (yet!) go out and find some Smuttynose Big A IPA! Its a great alternative to the Racer 5.

BEER FACTS

Name: Racer 5

Style: India Pale Ale

Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Company

Location: Healdsburg, California, USA

Container: 22 oz. bottle

Malts: ?

Hops: Columbus & Cascade

ABV: 7%

IBUs: 69