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PATIO DRINKING: Bear Republic Racer 5
The Web site for the award-winning alternative weekly, the Philadelphia City Paper.
PATIO DRINKING: Bear Republic Racer 5
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| Photo l Michael Persico |
At a recent press tasting of McGillin�s 1860 IPA Test Batch brewed by Stoudt's, some beer wag confidently announced that "Philly is an IPA town."
True enough.� Philly is awash in world-class brews, and India Pale Ale is the quintessential craft style.� The first breakout craft beers to gain national attention were pale ales; Sierra Nevada set the standard.� The bright,� hoppy pale ales were everything mass-produced industrial lager was not: sharp, floral, biting and big.
Tastes for hops increased exponentially as drinkers were introduced to new microbrews, propelling the "extreme brewing" trend and creating demand for almost painfully bitter beers.� Even traditionally hop-averse Belgian brewers began rolling out styles based on American IPAs.
Thus, many craft beer drinkers got their start on hops and are now looking for new flavor experiences.� Barleywines, imperial stouts and weird fusion styles are getting the dorks chattering on the heavy side, while drinks writers like� Lew Bryson and brewers, both local and farther afield (Gordon Grubb at Nodding Head, Jean Van Roy at Cantillon), champion milder, low-alcohol "session" beers.
That said, a great IPA will always get the taps flowing and tongues wagging.� The most talked-about recent IPA entry to local barrooms is California's Bear Republic Brewery Racer 5.
The multi-medal winning brew has been around since 1999 but only became available in PA over the winter. Bear's Web site calls Racer 5 "a base for showing off the unique floral qualities of two Pacific Northwest hops, Columbus and Cascade." Columbus is a high-alpha acid hop typically used for bittering; Bear Republic uses it instead as an aroma hop in Racer 5.� Though distinctly bitter, the brew is full-bodied and way smooth. At 7 percent ABV, a pint packs a memorable punch and accompanies spicy Mexican and classic American barbecue fare with style.
Tasting Notes: This 12-oz. bottle poured hazy old gold with a substantial, sticky head that left deep lace behind. Nose is flowers and bread.� Hops dominate the flavor, but malt from the all-American grain bill stands up behind the grapefruit. A resinous, almost musty undercurrent keeps the whole thing working together.� One of the best American IPAs I've ever had.
Racer 5 is seriously recommended.� Look for it on tap at local beer bars, or pick up a sixer at Total Wine in Cherry Hill for $11.99.
Total Wine & More, 2100 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ; 856-667-7100, totalwine.com
I tried this on draft at Local 44 the other week. An excellent, excellent IPA.
Bruce: Couldn't agree more. I had it on draft at Monk's the other day.
Racer 5 has been a fave for years (as is Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye). It's top-tier stuff, for sure. Session beer's great for thirsty work, but I'd be the last -- the last, I tell ya! -- to deny Racer 5 a place at my barspace.
I have a new favorite beer. What a great IPA. Thanks for posting this.
Glad to see the Bear Republics getting repped on the east coast. Was loving these beers during my stint out in SF. They also do an awesome double IPA dubbed Racer X (love the Speed Racer references) which I doubt we'll see out here any time soon.
Ben: Monk's had Racer X on draft in the back bar a little while ago. Boy did those kegs kick quickly. Distributor of Bear Republic: Get more of this stuff out in Philly! The people demand it.
Local 44 had Racer X when I was there a couple of days ago. Honestly, Racer 5 is more my thing. Probably my favorite beer.
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