Heading for the Hops on California’s Central Coast
If you have not grabbed a beer from Figueroa Mountain Brewing, you should. The four-year-old brewer is rapidly rising to the upper tiers of California brewing. Based in Buellton in the midst of the Santa Ynez Valley the brewers at Figueroa Mountain work hard to pay homage to the agricultural roots deep in the area.
West Coast IPA
To be a successful brewery you must know how to create memorable IPA’s, they’re the hottest beer in America. While the style has been in existence since the 18th century, it has experienced a massive transformation over the last 20 years in the hands of American craft brewers. Most Englishmen, where the style originated, have a hard time recognizing todays modern IPA’s. In a quest for grander flavor profiles, modern brewers have created a wide array of beers containing the IPA label. Hoppy Poppy IPA is Figueroa Mountain’s take on the classic “West Coast” IPA, a style famous for its bold citrus nose and heavy hop hit.
Hoppy Poppy weighs in at 65 IBU’s and a solid 6.5 percent alcohol; this is no huge hop monster. It scored an 88 out of 100 on Ratebeer.com and 86 out of 100 on Beeradvocate.com.
Hoppy Poppy’s Flavor Profile
When you first crack open a bottle the floral scent is immediately prevalent, your interest is tweaked. Scents of fresh grapefruit, pine, and spices are nicely blended. It pours with a crisp Golden-Delicious-apple color topped by a fresh white head. A little swirling allows more scents to bloom from the glass, and excite you for what lays ahead.
The first sip contains everything a solid West Coast IPA should possess, a solid hop forward hit with a lingering piney bitterness. The malt backbone is nicely balanced with hints of grains, and maybe a touch of the poppy seeds that are used during brewing. It has a dry finish with light carbonation that leaves you wanting more.
A Hoppy IPA to Satisfy Many Palates
Due to its moderate alcohol level and excellent hop balance this is a beer you could share with friends confidently. It wont wreck the palate’s of your buddies that like more moderately hopped beers, but has enough flavors to satisfy serious hop heads.
Overall this is an excellent beer I would recommend for those sizzling central coast summer days. When your body is crying out for relief crack a Hoppy Poppy, and sip some chilly golden goodness, your taste buds will thank you.
Hoppy Poppy and other Figueroa Mountain brews are available in numerous Central and Southern California locations, check their website for more details. Look for six packs and 22 oz. bottles.
For more on Figueroa Brewing Company, click here to read our feature article.