We spoke with Clocktown Brewing Co. Brewmaster Chris Sheeler about When Pigs Fly.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
I created this recipe to add to our stable of hazy IPAs. We wanted to create a softer and fruitier addition in the mid-ABV range. We were extremely happy with the way it turned out, and it has quickly become a taproom favorite.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
It is easier to pack body into a high-ABV hazy IPA. It takes a lot of finesse to achieve the body that is expected from a hazy IPA while also avoiding the heaviness that may prevent a drinker from reaching for one more. With an alcohol content of 6.8%, I think we balanced these two things really well so that customers find the full flavor profile they are seeking without the heaviness. You'll find yourself having a few if you're not careful!

What makes this beer truly World Class?
I think it’s the balance, as previously stated, combined with the incredible bouquet of aromas we are getting from our dry hopping process that really allow this brew to shine.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The aroma is incredible. Complex and familiar at the same time. This beer just goes down incredibly smoothly.

We spoke with Wild Leap Brew Co. Chief Brewing Officer Chris Elliott about Lone Buffalo: Cinnamon Maple Vanilla Barrel Aged Stout.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
I created this recipe. I wanted to develop a stout that was rich with residual sweetness in order to hold up for long periods of time aging in various barrels. I also wanted a recipe that would let the barrels do all the work, with no added vanilla, chocolate, coconut or any other adjuncts or spices. I wanted to fill many different barrels with the same beer to compare the complexities that develop over time. This included Coconut Rum barrels, Cherry Brandy barrels, seven different whiskey brands’ barrels, and my favorite: Cinnamon Maple Vanilla Whiskey barrels. 

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
I feel that most of the barrel-aged stouts being brewed today are all dependent on 1000 different adjuncts for their flavor. While I enjoy many of these beers, I wanted this brand to be a pure representation of how wood affects beer over time. Also, these barrels were incredibly unique. I am pretty sure it would be difficult to replicate this beer in the future. 

We spoke with Wild Leap Brew Co. Chief Brewing Officer Chris Elliott about Side Bae Double IPA Idaho 7.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
I designed the neutral base beer for the Side Bae series, and my brewers and hop providers play a role in selecting the ideal hop varieties to feature. This was a hop varietal that was recommended by our friends at Yakima Chief Hops.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
This beer has a great balance that truly lets the Idaho 7 hops shine. We keep the IBUs very low with whirlpool-only, hot-side hop additions. Most of the flavor and aroma all come from late-addition hops and dry hopping. We also keep a hint of residual sweetness to increase the juiciness.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
We approached the development of this beer like we do for most of our brands: spare no expense and make it balanced and delicious. We also love experimenting with new innovative hop products like Cryo pellets in our recipes. These products are truly elevating the quality of IPA, among other styles.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
This beer may have the best aroma of all the IPAs we have made to date.

We spoke with Wild Leap Brew Co. Chief Brewing Officer Chris Elliott about Alpha Abstraction Vol. 22.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
My team and I developed this recipe. We have been looking for an opportunity to use Nectaron hops in a beer, and this is our best brand for profiling new hops.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
While many hazy and juicy IPAs have a drier finish, this beer has some residual sweetness, a thick body and a hint of acidity to be more juice-like, so that the hops have a rich, stone fruit flavor.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
This beer is a great example of what Nectaron hops can do for an IPA. The Pilsen and oat-heavy malt bill is such a great backdrop for an incredible hop.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
I love the aroma of this beer. The Nectaron hops are one of our favorite hops right now. They give a pungent citrus and stone fruit aroma that simply can’t be beat.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Alpha Abstraction IPA is our most popular series, and this has been everyone’s favorite volume to date.

We spoke with Garage Brewing Co. Founder & Tinkerer Lou Kashmere about Classic Hazy Double IPA.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
Myself, by analyzing other IPA recipes that our brewing team uses and then revising the grain, hops and length of time being dry-hopped.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
Everything kind of lives harmoniously – it’s not too hoppy, bitter or malty. This beer focuses on balancing all aspects equally.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
It just all came together, including the aroma, mouthfeel and complementing flavors.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
The incredibly intriguing aroma, terrific flavor and overall complexity.

Where does this beer’s name come from?
My wife’s 1957 T-bird. It’s a classic!

Is this your “desert island beer?”
Sure is.

Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
“Best in class!”

What's a good food pairing for this beer? 
I think it’s best to drink without food!  Any food pairing will compromise the true taste of this nearly flawless brew.