WE DRINK MORE!: Beer Review: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Beer Review: Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

I like IPA's. At first it seemed like a mouthful of cut grass and citrus fruit.. but eventually I began to enjoy a great India Pale Ale for many different reasons. I enjoy a floral fuller bodied, hoppy, and bitter beer that finishes with citrus notes and lingers politely on the palate. My 3 favorite hoppy beers are:
1. Hazed & Infused- Boulder Beer Co.
2. Hopalicious- Ale Asylum
3. Two Hearted Ale-Bell's Brewing Co.
After drinking the Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA I fully understand why I love this style of beer so much and this particular IPA might become one of...if not my favorite. The aroma and taste are very hoppy, with citrus and light caramel notes. The 7.0 %Alc/vol is very evident in both the initial taste and finish. The bitterness of the aftertaste lasts for minutes! The Racer 5 is exactly what I desire from an IPA, but I wasn't very sure this would be the case. After researching a bit both online and talking to other beer drinkers I began to get the notion that Bear Republic beers are top notch, but somewhat underrated. It could be just in Wisconsin, but in the liquor store all the Racer 5 had been collecting dust and isn't a real strong seller. This IPA isn't for the faint of heart or a rolling rock drinker for example, but for anyone willing to let a beer totally take over their taste buds the Racer 5 IPA is the one!! Bear Republic's motto is "bigger is better" and they remain a dedicated, loyal family of brewers who want to provide consistent service and quality to their customers at their brewpub and nationwide. Their website features a great article on how to pair their beer with dessert. This would be an incredible way to sample some of their beers and expand your drinking horizons. After all, pairing food with beer is a great excuse for us all to drink more beer!! Any Hopheads out there?? What is your favorite pale beer??

Retails $3-5 per 22oz btl

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