'This is a hoppy IPA. Did I say hops? Your brewer is a hop head! This is a full bodied beer using American grains. The goal was to create a base for showing off the unique floral qualities of two Pacific Northwest hops, Columbus and Cascade. Columbus is a new hybrid High Alpha Acid hop used mostly for bittering, but used heavily as an aromatic in this strong brew. Cascade is the balance that ties the malt and bittering hops together. It is a true specialty ale and is our brewer's statement on this style.'
God damn this stuff has a kick to it! This beer was recommended to me as a good starting poing with IPA's, which tells me I have a long way go. Like all IPA's the more you drink the easier it starts to go down, which is when I can finally start to taste anything. I am determined to understand IPA's! I'm a good 5 ounces into this stuff before I can taste a little malt, a few ounces more and a bit of citrus comes into the mix, then some honey, then... nothing. My taste buds are shutting down, I think I put them into a coma. Drinking this stuff is cool though, it is like having a small current of electricity flowing through your tongue.
In fact I kind of enjoy Racer 5, its just too much for me. I have always liked my beers flavorful, but this stuff is making me sweat its so intense. The closest experience I can think of is when I grew to like hot sauce, or whiskey. This stuff is definitely an acquired taste, but I am going to acquire it.
Sorry this was more about IPA's than Racer 5. I'll definitely do a second opinion once I can appreciate it to its full extent.
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