New Belgium's Ranger IrenePA



Ranger IrenePA
6.5% ABV
New Belgium Brewing
Fort Collins, CO

 Ok, so it's not REALLY called IrenePA, but in light of the impending hurricane, let's pretend.  This IPA is a step outside the norm for New Belgim Brewing, a company not known necessarily for "mainstream" beers.  But, according to their website, this is an answer to the call for a hoppy IPA from their field "rangers".  You know, those lucky peeps out selling and sampling beer for a living.

She (cause her name is Irene today...) pours a nice, light amber color with a nice head.  The lacing is there and stays to the end of the beer.  The fruity hops hit your nose right away and dominate the beer with more floral notes emerging as the beer warms up.  Mouthfeel is light-it is a very easy drinking beer, that, if not for the 6.5% ABV, could be a nice session beer. 

As enjoyable as this beer was, I do think that the combination of fruity/floral hops and the caramel malts make it a little sweeter than I want my IPA to be.  I love the fruity/floral hops, but I want a little bit better balance on the malt side-the caramel malts just may add a little too much sweetness.  I certainly wouldn't refuse one (gasp! refuse a BEER?), and I think it's definitely worth trying.  It is a solid beer for an extremely reasonable price-I got my bomber at Whole Foods for $3.99 (and then saw them at Kroger for 2/$6...damn it!)...either way, a great price for a good beer!

You can expect more from New Belgium Brewing in future Friday Night Pints!

Cheers!

Becky