Idiot IPA

Coronado Brewing Company has delivered a solid lineup of noteworthy brews since opening in 1996. The current heavyweight, Idiot IPA, carries an 8.5% ABV and is loaded with sticky, resiny hops, to the tune of 3 pounds per barrel. Although notes of orange peel, grapefruit, and pine dominate the aromas, the alcohol punches through and lends a definite booziness. Tom enjoyed the counterpoint between the sweet, candy-like malt and the hops’ pine forest, lemon zest, and grapefruit notes. Tyson picked up on the alcohol, but felt it was tamed by the sugar and caramel notes. He did feel, however, that the citrus notes came across as “over-ripened.” Deep golden, almost light amber, Idiot hits the glass with a slight, yet not distracting haziness, and is topped by a small, white head that quickly dissipates. The flavors mirror the aromas, with gobs of sweet malt, assertive hop bitterness, and a profusion of citrusy, oily hop flavors. Peter and Marty both picked up some oxidation notes in the flavor, though neither felt it was overly distracting. Marty appreciated the sticky, resiny, hop flavors, but felt the bitterness was a tad shy of the mark. Peter also felt the bitterness was on the low end, but enjoyed the balance between sweet malt and spicy, citrusy hop flavors. Tough day at the office? Whatever ails you, Idiot IPA – in moderation – will set you right.