IPAs were just about extinct when the craft brewing movement started in the 80s. Most of us looking for something above the pedestrian brews of the time were forced to drink European lagers such as Heineken or Beck's. Our friends thought we were weird doing THAT, while they sucked down their buds. (Sorry, I couldn't make myself capitalize that word.)
Then something happened. Fritz Maytag rescued Anchor Brewing Company in San Fran, and soon enough (early 80s) a beer called Anchor Liberty Ale made its way to Ohio. OMG. Not only flavorful, but bitter. Bitter, as in good bitter. Bitter, as in wonderful bitter.
Our first three dimensional beer. Blew some of us away. Then a start-up by the name of Sierra Nevada knocked on Ohio's door. Their Pale Ale had sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Bottle conditioned beer... hmm... something's happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear. Then Celebration Ale, followed by Buffalo Bill's Alimony Ale, the bitterest beer in America.
What we were drinking then was a huge (for then) smack you in your face hops presence. Hello IPA!
It makes sense that the coast that started it all wouldn't leave well enough alone. Bigger, maltier, hoppier. Double. Imperial. If lots of hops is good, more hops is better. New strains. Pine, grapefruit, mango, black pepper, floral, pungent, intense flavors. Wow.
Fast forward, and we've got Stone. Russian River. Port Brewing. Lagunitas. Bear Republic. Green Flash. (Excuse me while I wipe a tear of joy from my eye.)
We were satisfied to enjoy the wonderfully crisp and refreshing products of these breweries' efforts. Until now.
We decided we wanted one of our own right here in Columbus. Enter Barley's Left Coast Indie Pale Ale.
Now we've got something to go with our Mexican enchillads, pizza a Buffalo wings every day. Every danged day.
Barley's Left Coast Indie Pale Ale. For the independent spirit that lives in all of us. Bite me. We've got Indie Pale Ale on our side.
Barley's
Left Coast Indie Pale Ale
Style Guidelines: In this part of the USA, we craft breweries tend to brew IPAs with some European influences. That's true at Barley's as well. Our Centennial IPA is influenced by British IPAs from several hundred years ago. Until now. We decided to brew a true "wake up call" West Coast hop experience, using hops from the Pacific Northwest, adding a malt backbone and finishing with dry hops. This is an IPA for the indie spirit that lives in all of us.
Rotation Schedule: We hope this one will fit into our IPA rotation regularly. We're shooting for this one to be your "go-to" IPA without apology and without hesitation.
Food Pairings: Food? Seriously? We're getting stoked about beer right now. On second thought, if you don't get something to eat with this one, Indie Pale Ale WILL bowl you over. Rich, spicy flavor food is about all that this brew won't overwhelm. Think smoked and grilled wings; ribs with Texas sauce and Gates of Hell on the side; blackened tuna wrap; or blackened blue burger. These foods won't get lost in the citrus and pine forest that this beer plants on your buds. If you're a hop head, you know the drill...ya gotta eat.
Body: medium
Color: copper
Grain: British pale and Carapils
Bittering Hops: American Simcoe and Columbus
Finishing Hops: American Cascade, Columbus and Simcoe
Dry Hops: American Cascade, Columbus and Centennial and Amarillo
Original Gravity: 1.074
IBUs (estimate): 93.8
Alcohol By Volume: 7.4%
First Tapped: Preview Firkin April 22, 2011
Barley's
Smokehouse & Brewpub Ale House No. 2xx
1130 Dublin Road Columbus OH 43215