Moving to a state where Bell's Beer is absent was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Seriously, Larry Bell really needs to get into the country's second most populous state. Although there are plenty of solid beers available in Texas (e.g, Real Ale Full Moon Pale Rye, Saint Arnold Elissa IPA, and 512 IPA), nothing has come close to approaching the flavor, complexity, aroma, balance, and drinkability of Bell's Two Hearted Ale (the world's single greatest year-round beer). At least until now. New Belgium released its highly anticipated Ranger IPA last week. While a slight notch below the aforementioned Two Hearted Ale, it undoubtedly is the best session IPA I've had in Texas.
Although it produces only a small head, it pours a beautiful, clean golden orange. The aroma is floral hoppiness at its best and showcases a lot of pine. You gotta love hops. It hits you with hops up front on the tongue and follows with a nice citrus maltiness before ending hoppy but with only a medium bitterness. Overall, it's hoppy, balanced, and ridiculously tasty. Just what an IPA should be. Although this is New Belgium's first foray into overt hoppiness (at least as far as I know), Ranger IPA is a significant achievement. It's demonstrably better than anything else in New Belgium's arsenal and is the first beer that will earn New Belgium an unqualified Monger recommendation (and definitely a lot of repeat business).
New Belgium Ranger IPA
6.5% ABV
70 IBUs
