Continuing with our example of IPAs--and since our IPA Festival is right around the corner--we've chosen two of our own in this style: Dunedin Brewery's IPA Chronicle 9 Indian Amber and the American Classic IPA.
Let's start with the obvious: those damn hops! The
Classic IPA has a distinct taste of white grapefruit
that is effervescent, juicy, yet dry and refreshing.
This is the bitterness of Chinook hops interplaying with
the aroma and flavor of Centennial & Cascade hops.
The Indian Amber utilizes Nelson Sauvin hops &
Crystal malts, dropping the dryness in exchange for
chewy caramel and a note of toasted oakiness that
follows up with the comparative tropical flavor of
roasted pineapple. Nelson Sauvin hops are from New
Zealand and regional conditions account for a difference
in taste.
The appearance of the Indian Amber is a reddish-amber
with a thin white lace across the top. It isn't cloudy
like the Classic and it doesn't have the light ruby
center like the Classic does. However, the Classic's noticeable cloudiness is equally appealing.
Each has a bitter fizz, but the Indian Amber ends with a zing, almost like the feel of pepper, which provides a nice contrast between the two. Both hold their respective ground, but both are from distinctly different traditions. Think of your grandpa's breakfast of handpicked grapefruit with a side of mango jam on a soft roll vs. island picnic grilling before a refreshing swim.
Each has a bitter fizz, but the Indian Amber ends with a zing, almost like the feel of pepper, which provides a nice contrast between the two. Both hold their respective ground, but both are from distinctly different traditions. Think of your grandpa's breakfast of handpicked grapefruit with a side of mango jam on a soft roll vs. island picnic grilling before a refreshing swim.
IPAs and hops are diverse, somewhat akin to the world
of coffee, where differences can be many. Like two coffees, these two beers take different approaches
to style. One is classic in the sense that it utilizes
three of the most popular American hops; the other is
our take on a Red IPA (or Imperial Red), furthering the
exploration in our Chronicle Series. If you like
something chewy and robust with tropical fruit and
cherries, the Indian Amber may be for you. If you prefer
refreshing and dry with grapefruit and sharp apples, the
Classic IPA may be more up your alley. It goes without
saying, we prefer both.
