Monday, November 24, 2014

Emerald Triangle IPA

An India Pale Ale (IPA) is one of the core competencies it seems for microbrewers. However integral that IPA may be to the menu of a new micro brewery there are a lot of sad IPAs that are currently on the market, which are either to alcoholic, too hoppy, not hoppy enough, or attempt to marry incompatible flavors. In fact it is difficult to find an India Pale Ale that is able to blend bitter and sweet elements just right at the put that effort at alcohol percentage that had a much needed layer of complexity. Emerald Triangle IPA is one of those rare IPAs that succeeds at every point. The nose of Emerald is dense and will take a number of subsequent sniffs to properly dissect – nuts, pineapple, citrus fruits, and pepper elements are all present. Hops and pine elements can both be discerned with the initial sip of the beer, while the overall flavor profile after this beginning experience is fairly hop forward before yielding to sweeter and softer elements.


emerald-ipa


The IPA concludes with a refreshing mouth feel that will provide imbibers with the last fleeting hoppy elements, all while palettes are refreshed for the next effort that the individual decides to choose. The beer would pair nicely with white meats – pork, fish, and chicken. The overall flavor of the beer is such that one could easily come back for a second or third out it without experiencing any weariness for the style or for Emerald generally. Make sure to visit the brewery website at eelriverbrewing.com  for more information about the entirety of the year round and seasonal efforts that the company provides.


 


Rating: 8.6 / 10


Emerald Triangle IPA / Eel River Brewing Company / 22 ounce bomber / 6.70% ABV / eelriverbrewing.com/