Racer 5 IPA

On a cold Wednesday in early February I found myself, through good fortune in the Aer Lingus Business class lounge at JFKs Terminal 5! 

​I had around 5 hours to kill before my next flight and had managed to escape the madness of the main terminal. The lounge had a fridge full of complimentary beverages which included a limited Choice of Beers to drink. There was a plentiful supply of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Heineken and an unknown Californian craft Lager - Racer 5 from Bear Republic 

My palate discounted Heineken straight away, it's not that I dislike it that much but it gives me a stinking hangover.. I planned instead to give the Racer a try before settling into some reliable Sam Adams 

​Best laid plans and all that! The first Racer went down well and was followed up by the San Adams, A Beer that I have previously paid  a premium for! 

This time was different, I couldn't wait to finish the Samuel Adams and get back to the Bear Republic brew. Racer 5 made Samuel Adams taste weak, watery and sub par! Boston Lager is no shrinking violet, so this craft Lager must have had something special 

​Racer 5 has a substantial ABV for an IPA, but it was so easy to drink that I almost thought that was a typo. I drank from the bottle, so cant describe the colour, pour or head. It had a satisfying taste with a bitter dry finish. In fact, its a beer you need to try for yourself. That's the thing about beer reviews, I read a lot of them and always see the same terms used. Hoppy, dry, and piney. Some Beers just need to be drank, experienced. This is one

Brewed at 7.5% this Californian Lager Comes from Bear Republic, which like most other craft brewers, began with homebrewing. It is a family-owned brewery, located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. Which would normally be associated with grapevines and wine making instead of excellent craft beer! 

It is available online in the UK, priced between £2.70 and £3.20 a bottle. Sadly I have heard that this beer doesn't travel well, so I am reticent to spend in excess of £30 for a 12 pack! 

If you are in the states and come across this in a bar then you need to try it. In fact you need to find a bar or liquor store that stocks it! It's  a beautiful hoppy flavoursome IPA. I don't think i have ever used the word beautiful to describe Beer before! It really is that good 

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
This hoppy American IPA is a full bodied beer brewed American pale and crystal malts, and heavily hopped with Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial. There’s a trophy in every glass. 

AWARDS
​2009 Great American Beer Festival® American-Style Strong Pale Ale – GOLD; 2009 Colorado State Fair – Best of Show; 2006 Great American Beer Festival® American-Style Strong Pale Ale – SILVER; 2005 Great American Beer Festival® American-Style Strong Pale Ale – SILVER; 1999 Great American Beer Festival® India Pale Ale - GOLD