We’re sampling Allagash Brewing Brett IPA and I was very happy to see it return for a 2nd year (and return to my ‘fridge). The beer is brewed with Cascade, Amarillo, Citra, Centennial and Galaxy hops, and I swear Allagash has a brettanomyces magical wand that they wave over the wort before fermentation. Brett IPA is actually based on the theory that early IPA shipping barrels would actually be inoculated with wild brettanomyces yeast during their travels; so Allagash decided why not try to intentionally add brett to an IPA…and they did. The resulting beer is one of my favorites from this category so off we go.
Allagash Brett IPA pours a slightly more hazy light-straw color than a typical IPA, and yes the aromas scream fruit, funk and hops. I get a little barnyard funk in the nose with just a touch of over-ripe fruit (this is a good thing) I really like fruit-forward hops, and this beer really pushes that fruity presence to a new level. The tropical fruit flavors work really well with the brettanomyces and the funky presence is what I would call moderate and not something that would put off someone that isn’t a funky-fan. Overall the fruit and brett flavors balance well with each other and the melon/mango/peach/apricot hop flavors really make for a nice mix. Brett IPA achieves a delicate and really drinkable mix of flavors that I really enjoy and I can’t even begin to describe how well it pairs with a mild Manchego cheese (be sure to try this pairing).
Allagash Brett IPA has to be one of my favorite funky IPAs and I think you’ll find it a really nice fruit-forward wild yeast beer even if you don’t love funky OR hoppy beers. The beer is available now in 12oz bottles so get out there and try some for yourself…and when you do, be sure to tell us what YOU think.
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