Craft beer is perhaps my 2nd favorite passion after the bike. From dabbling in homebrewing during my early twenties, to collaborating with an all-star brewer for my namesake beer, the world of hops has been a path of enjoyment for me. Perhaps the best part of the ride is re-hashing the adventure over a cold one together. Here’s what’s got me excited lately:
My namesake beer, so obvs it’s #1, duh! I got to sit down with legendary brewer Jeremy Warren and help decide the flavor profile. It’s a Hazy IPA but it’s not a juice bomb, and holds onto those West Coast piney notes with a bit more of a malt backbone. Does that make a midwest IPA? Available through Revision’s worldwide distribution chain but only during Paydirt season, as it’s the official beer of the event.
The cult classic of beer. Freshest of the fresh ingredients, no expense spared. 2 weeks only, 8 hour long wait lines, millions injected into the Santa Rosa economy, and the only line you’ll ever stand in where no one complains.
Lord Lupulin set out to create the perfect IPA. This is the best, most perfectly balanced IPA I know. Hits all the notes just right.
Upon finishing a MTB ride in Fruita, it is highly suggested to swing by Hot Tomato Pizza, order takeout and walk across the street to Copper Club brewery, in fact we weren't the only ones with this idea. Their 18 Rd IPA is very good but the Azacca (single hop) Pale Ale stood out. Azacca isn't a well known hop but this beer really lets it shine, tropical up front with a strong malt base and just the right amount of bitterness. It's a damn complex Pale Ale. This was my post-Kokopelli FKT attempt treat, more thirst quenching than a full blown IPA but plenty robust.
For all those non-alcoholic naysayers out there, don’t knock it til ya try it. NA is exploding and AB are leading the charge. You’ll be amazed how good this is. I got turned onto this while trying to keep race weight for the Vuelta Espana last year. Now they’re my sponsor, but it’s me that came begging to them. I believe in this stuff and they are changing the perception around NA beer. There is a time and a place for both. Also try their Run Wild IPA
The name says it all. Maybe the most thirst-quenching post ride beer I know. Out of Colorado and perfect for trips to Moab.
A gift from Ian Boswell after I indoctrinated him in West Coast IPA. This is very much a classic NE Hazy from the region that started it all. It smells of orange and is heavy on the tongue and belly, but it's not a juice bomb! There is a strong malt and a pleasantly spicy-pine taste. This is makes me certain I need to sample some VT Grav and post-ride beers in the very near future.
My favorite spot in Tahoe, The Good Wolf Brewery is doing some amazing things with beer. They promote their "forest beers" utilizing natural flavors in the brewing process such as juniper, jasmine tea, and golden beets. They generally exude excellence in anything they produce. Your best bet is to visit their brewery and opt for a flight. I chose to promote their Evergreen Juicy IPA made with California blue juniper berries layered on an intense Citra dry hop.
I left Colorado before I really got into beer. Upon return visits I know to buy anything Weldworks produces, if they’re in stock…
I picked this up at Trail House. The manager told me they blew this keg before Pliney at traivia and it was a crowd favorite. One of the better west coast IPAs I've had and in fact Ghost Town are making waves with all their beers. Shane, the guest of episode 1 of my DRAFT podcast chose anpther Ghost Town beer for his ice breaker. Its danky, orangy, clear and refreshing.
The craft beer scene in Spain has made gigantic leaps lately and some of the IPA (in espanol pronounced eee-pa) rivals all our American nectar. SOMA is out of Girona where I based as a Eurocentric Road Pro for over a decade. If you see it on a shelf, snag it before it’s gone.
HenHouse (Santa Rosa, CA) loves the term "Stoked", and Altamont Beer Works (Livermore, CA) love "Hella". They've joined forces for this 2x IPA. It's very much a hazy, but not a fruit bomb. It's so smooth you don't realize it's an 8.2% beer, proceed with caution. This is the 2nd round of an unchanged recipe that sold out way too fast the 1st time.
