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Drift Racer

California
United States
Drift Racer, Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
91
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Drift Racer starts with an explosion of Galaxy, Hallertau Blanc, and Huell Melon hops delivering big grape, tropical fruit, and Melon hop aromas. The soft malt mouthfeel clutch kicks into a juicy and smooth finish. Hold on and enjoy the drift!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
70
Hops: 
Galaxy, Hallertau Blanc, Huell Melon
Malts: 
Two-Row, Pilsner, Wheat
Judges Review 
Michael Heniff's picture
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Drift Racer by Bear Republic Brewing Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the Double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol content style, Double IPAs are fairly drinkable and lack a heavy malty body, which are more typical traits of beers of this alcohol content. Drift Racer measures in at 8% ABV and is hopped with Galaxy, Hallertau Blanc and Huell Melon hop varieties.

Drift Racer pours dark golden in color with a large fluffy white head and a slight haze. The aroma is prominently hoppy with aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, honeydew melon and blackberries; a light trace of nutty malt exists well behind the hops. The body is appropriately medium with a light, pleasant warmth. The flavor is again hop-forward but not as delicate as the aroma; aggressive grapefruit and resiny hops dominate the flavor profile finishing with an aggressive bitterness and a light hop astringency. On an interesting note, as the beer warms, the hop profile becomes more tropical fruit, apricot and grapefruit.  This beer is a very good Double IPA that is definitely crafted for the hop heads among us. Enjoy the aggressive, interesting hop profile!