LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2016

BEER  SUMMER OF PALE ALE

WHAT’S A HYBRID IPA? WHAT ARE HOP HEADS AND HOP BOMBS?

Avid followers of the IPA movement are faithful to their hops; in fact some IPA lovers search out beers primarily based on their hop profiles. The amusing moniker assigned to this type of beer lover is a “hop head.” And the favourite beer of a hop head? A “hop bomb” of course. The term describes a beer exploding with the aromas of hops, along with a pronounced bitterness on the palate.

Within the family of IPA beers there have been many offspring; these are considered “hybrids” of the IPA style. In its simplest form it’s an existing style of beer with its IBU content ramped up, making it a hoppier version of itself. Not all beers have the backbone to withstand additional hopping, but some have come out as favourites. The Black IPA is a hybrid using darker malts to create a black-coloured IPA; the Red and Brown IPAs are, you guessed it, red and brown in colour. The Belgian-style is an IPA using Belgian yeast strains to create the distinct flavour of beers that come from that country. And lastly, Rye and Wheat IPAs incorporate rye and wheat grains into the beer’s recipe, meaning the beer is not brewed with barley alone.

SOME HOP BOMBS Red Racer IPA LCBO 376285, 473 mL, $2.90

Juicy orange marmalade on the nose along with crème brûlée aromas. A smooth, round mouth feel from the malty sweetness is perked up with a whopping 80 IBUs that blend in seamlessly. Flying Monkeys Smashbomb Atomic IPA LCBO 256172, 6 pk, $13.95 This IPA offers up more pine than citrus, but there’s a whack of both. There are also great notes of tof- fee and honey. Its 70 IBUs of hoppiness make the finish bracing and delightful.

Ideal Glass and Serving Temperature for IPAs

Choosing the ideal glass and serving temperature for an IPA will help maxi- mize its flavour and aro- mas. The concept is simi- lar to serving Champagne from a flute to conserve its bubbles, or enjoying vodka icy cold to tame the bite. But of course, if all you have is the bottle it-

SOME HYBRID IPA S

Big Rig Release the Hounds Black IPA LCBO 415323, 473 mL, $2.95 This complex beer offers up a wealth of aromas ranging from roasted coffee bean to licorice-tinged chocolate. On the palate there’s a replay of bitter- sweet chocolate and just the right amount of hops.

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self—or a plastic cup—who’s to judge? However, if you really want to fully appreciate your IPA, try serving it in some version of the traditional pint glass. There are three popular varieties; the English Tulip (2), the Nonic (1) and the Shaker ( 3 ), although the latter is somewhat scorned within the serious beer community. All these glasses allow for a frothy head and a generous opening to allow the volatile aromas to be released and enjoyed.     As for serving temperature, aim for somewhere between 42° and 46°F (5° and 8°C). These temperatures keep it cold enough to be refreshing but not over-chilled. Beers served too cold don’t reveal as much aroma.

Arch Brewing Dinner Jacket O’Red IPA LCBO 369330, 473 mL, $3.10

A fruity nose of sweet tobacco leaf and toasted rye bread with sour cherry jam. Earthy and herbal with a smooth, British-style effervescence that leads to a moderately bitter finish.

124  FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2016