Apr 24, 2015

Breckenridge Brewery Breck IPA

Breck IPA isn’t just Breckenridge Brewery’s newest year-round offering. It’s the company’s opportunity to play with relatively new ingredients, as well. Apparently, they’ve been able to get a contract on a fairly rare malt &#151 Full Pint malt. This hard-to-source ingredient is supposed to give the IPA a fullness on the palate. So, how does this malt affect this brew?

When joined by a hop bill that includes Mosaic and Cascade (among others), the result is a well balanced IPA with plenty of floral notes, moderate bitterness and supporting bready traits. At 6.3% ABV and 66 IBU, Breck IPA is a solid new product from the company and one that I wouldn’t mind occupying some space in my fridge this Summer.

Appearance

Clear amber in color, the beer sits with a dense cap of white foam.

Breckenridge Brewery Breck IPA photo

Aroma

Grapefruit, pine, soft resiny notes, tropical fruits, a floral character and bready malt combine for an inviting aroma.

Taste

I do love a good floral hop character on the nose, but when that translates to flavor, it generally produces a perfume-y trait of which I am not all that fond. Thankfully, with Breck IPA that floral trait doesn’t accompany pine, grass, grapefruit, tropical notes and a wonderful bit of bready malt. A moderate-to-high level of hop bitterness washes over the tongue along with a decent malt and grain backbone before eventually fading slowly through a lightly drying finish.

Overall

Breck IPA is a solid beer. It’s not as dynamic as some, but certainly more balanced than others. With the exception of this recent relapse into Winter, this is a beer that would go well on any Spring or Summer afternoon. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for this one to fill the fridge as the temperatures rise.

Rating: 3.75/5

This is a review of a promotional sample.

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