Widmer Brothers Falconer’s IPA
Falconer’s IPA is a beer that’s been in Widmer Brothers Rotator IPA series for a couple of years now, but it won’t be for much longer. Apparently 2013 is the last year that the specific hop blend (Flaconer’s Flight) utilized in this brew will be available. The spells the end for this particular IPA and throws some uncertainty at one of my favorite local brews, DC Brau’s On The Wings of Armageddon.
I’ll worry about the DC Brau product later. Let’s focus on Widmer Brothers 7% ABV and 65 IBU product. Falconer’s IPA is a darn tasty example of the style with excellent hop character as well as a good amount of balancing malt character. The result is a beer that is not only “hoppy” with good bitterness, but also smooth drinking.
Appearance
A dense, tawny head drops slowly above the dark amber brew.
Aroma
This one has got a crisp, clean hop character with smooth grapefruit, light grass, soft pine and a complimentary malt backbone.
Taste
Falconer’s IPA certainly brings the hops to the party. A more prominent grassy character persists with citrus notes and pine. Caramel malt and toasted bread accompany the hop profile. There’s a solid amount of bitterness present that lingers a good while, but not to such a degree that it overwhelms the palate. At 7% ABV I expect there to be a little bit of alcohol influence, but the finish has a surprisingly strong warmth in the chest.
Overall
I like this beer. It’s not the best IPA by any means, but Widmer Brothers do bring good hop character and a decent amount of balance with Falconer’s IAP. It’s got just the right amount of bite, perhaps too much warmth and still manages to be refreshing. I can see a few of these disappearing from my fridge in a day’s afternoon.
Rating: 3.75/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
