Just a few weeks ago when highlighting some Brewmaster’s Collective beers from Firestone Walker, I opened the review with my story of my first encounter with Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA. Ironically enough, today I’ll be sampling a Firestone Walker mixed pack that includes that very beer.
Today we’ll be sampling the latest IPA Mixed Pack from Firestone Walker, and from the first announcement of this pack, I knew it would be good. The pack includes Union Jack IPA, Hopnosis IPA, Mind Haze IPA and the new Cali Cruiser. The bottled version of this variety pack includes Hammersmith IPA instead of Cali Cruiser. Since I’ve already sampled and reviewed Union Jack IPA, Hopnosis IPA & Mind Haze IPA, for today’s review, I’ll focus on Cali Cruiser.
If you’re not familiar, Cali Cruiser is a juicy west coast-style IPA brewed with Strata, Mosaic, Citra and El Dorado hops. The beer was intended to be clear but still juicy and that combination was created with an early dry-hop addition and the use of finings. Of course I can’t wait to enjoy one…so off we go.
Firestone Walker Cali Cruiser
Brewery Description:
Cali Cruiser is a juicy West Coast IPA that’s made for the bright lights. Loaded with Mosaic, Strata, Citra, and El Dorado hops, it’s crisp and clear to the eye but loaded with flavor.
ABV: 6.6%
IBU: 45
Style: Juicy West Coast IPA
Packaging: 12oz cans
Appearance: Clear golden
Aroma: Citrus, tropical fruits & lemon
Mouthfeel: Medium light
Taste: Grapefruit, peach, citrus and juicy tropical fruits
Overall: Firestone Walker Cali Cruiser is a really unique IPA. The beer partially leans into the resinous west coat-style IPA category, but quickly turns into a fruit-forward juicy IPA. If I had to describe the beer in one word, that word would be “juice.” The clear nature of the beer belies it’s identity as a hazy beer, but after one sip, you’ll be thankful that it does. With notes of stone fruit and juicy tropical fruits, Cali Cruiser is really drinkable and enjoyable and overall I found it to be an exciting new addition to FW’s lineup of IPAs. I’m also excited to see the 20-years of IPA history revealed in this pack, and a beer (Cali Cruiser) that combines the ethos of all the IPAs that have come before it..
The Firestone Walker 2023 IPA Variety Pack is available now in 12oz cans or 12oz bottles so be sure to get out there and try it for yourself….and when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym
0 comments (click to read or post):
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment...I do moderate each comment so it may not appear immediately...and please be nice! You can also comment using Disqus (below) or even comment directly on Facebook (bottom).