Tag: IPA

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DESCHUTES BREWERY NEW RELEASES WORTH A TASTE

One of the things I’ve always found fascinating about craft brewers is the seemingly endless desire for experimentation. It’s not enough to simply brew a pale ale, lager, pilsner or IPA. There is a strong drive to innovate, to try new flavors and styles.

 

Such is the case with Deschutes Brewery, a leader in the craft beer industry for 25 years. Deschutes recently released two new brews from its Bond Street Series, which originated as experiments with different styles at the flagship pub on Bond Street in Bend Oregon. It now features the most popular results from all their pubs. Both of the new releases are IPAs.

 

“Hop in the Dark,” the result of 22 experimental brews in Deschutes Bend and Portland pubs over more than a year is what might be called a black IPA, though Deschutes calls it a Cascadian Dark Ale. At 6.5% ABV, it also sports 70 IBUs. It reveals floral, spicy pine, and coffee notes in the aroma. A rich, roasted caramelized character from a combination of malts (Pale, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate, Chocolate Wheat, Black Barley, Flaked Oats, and Toasted Oats) is offset with citrus and given structure on the palate from the hops (Nugget, Citra, Mosaic Northern Brewer, Centennial, Amarillo, and Cascade).

 


“Fresh Squeezed,” as the name implies, is all about citrus, notably from the citra, nugget and mosaic hops. Mild malt notes from Pale, Crystal and Munich malts provide a nice accent. The beer comes in at 6% ABV and 60 IBU. Refreshingly lively for summer sipping, it finishes with an uplifting bitterness.

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WORTHY NEW SEASONAL BEER FROM DESCHUTES

Once in a while, this wine guy gets an opportunity to sample new craft beer releases. I’m happy to have one now to recommend: Red Chair NWPA (Northwest Pale Ale), the new seasonal beer from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon.

Deschutes says Red Chair (6.2% ABV) is named after the oldest operating lift at Mt. Bachelor. They call it their debut Northwest Pale Ale, though not unlike the last year’s Red Chair IPA. I never tasted the IPA; so, I’ll take their word for it.

This one sits in the glass with a copper color and a loosely foamy head. As I sniff, I pick up hints of citrus, bread, caramel, and herbal lemongrass. Sipping reveals more toast and citrus. Dry, bitter hops emerge but don’t overpower. A malty counterpoint asserts itself then gives way to more hops in the finish.

I relate to it as a cross between an IPA and an American pale ale. It is medium bodied and well balanced, with a hoppy personality moderated by malty qualities. I’m told Red Chair began as an experimental beer to test new hops and hopping techniques. Additionally, seven European and domestic malts are key to the formula. The success of the experiment shows in the final product.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised Red Chair cleaned house the World Beer Awards. The brew will be available from January until April in six- and twelve-packs and on draft throughout the 16 states where Deschutes beer is distributed.