Racer 5 IPA

Bear Republic Brewery, Healdsburg, CA

ABV: 7.0% (Alcohol By Volume)
IBU: 69 (International Bitterness Unit)

I have more beer than I can fit in my fridge... more than any bachelor should have in his apartment at any given time. Despite this, I can't go grocery shopping at The Central Market without picking something out. Entering the store my mind is telling me, "You just need some bread and fruit for breakfast." Then I see that shrine that the Market has constructed to this beverage-of-the-Earth and I can't help but stop and browse. Every time my eye catches something that I've been wanting to try. This time is was Racer 5 India Pale Ale.

I have to give another shout out to my co-worker, "Thanks for the suggestion, Terry!" Terry is another fellow hop-head who is always looking for delicious pales and IPA to imbibe while relaxing on Saturday afternoons. He heard about this one on a radio show, believe it or not. So there I was in the Market and *SMACK* there was on the top shelf with the rest of the 750's calling my name. SOLD, Central Market!

I busted out the bottle open and as soon as I heard the *pssss* of the CO2 escaping from the cracked bottle cap I could smell the sweet bitterness of hops! This was an awesome surprise because after having Stone's Ruination IPA (which I believe to be the IPA to end all IPAs) I was a little skeptical of other competition.

This IPA pours a refreshing clear light golden color. I great white head forms on top of this golden goddess with surprisingly long head retention. All the while the hoppy aroma is just pouring out of the glass.

If you haven't been able to gather thus far there is no need to bury your nose in this beer to catch a whiff. The Cascade and Columbus hops just billow out of glass with an amazing floral aroma. The potent aroma is actually quite inviting and does not impart a dooming intimidation of the assumed face-contorting bitterness that may or may not follow the first sip.

This beer tastes delicious. Because the head retention is good you get to dive through the thick foam into the delicious smelling beverage. The beer is hoppy and there is a huge perception of bitterness. It is properly conditioned and refreshing. Swallowing this brew gives a rush of hoppy flavor. Just about everything you want in an IPA. Hey, I'll say it! This beer is a lot like Stone's Ruination. By that I mean it is DAMN GOOD! Is it AS good? That; I am not so sure. Racer 5 uses a hybrid Columbus hop for bittering and Cascade hops for aromatic affects. This IPA truly instills some finish of bitterness. The perception and aroma of hops nicely compliments it making it a truly delightful experience.

I'll leave you with some of the brew masters comments which I believe to perfectly describe this beer. "Racer 5 is an aggressive styled India Pale Ale. Handmade from a brewery whose motto is 'Bigger is Better'. This golden, well hopped, bottle conditioned ale demands your attention. Try the next generation of I.P.A. Racer 5... Go... Go.."

For the homebrewer... this would be an interesting style of beer to re-create as its ingredients should be readily available at your local home brew market.

DRU: 95/100 (Dan's Rating Unit)