Friday, September 17, 2010

New Belgium Brewery's Ranger IPA

70 IBU
6.5% ABV
We could think of no better beer to being our reviews than Ranger IPA.  Born in Fort Collins out of New Belgium Brewery, it is both local and one of our favorite styles - IPA.

A brewery known for its Belgian-inspired beers, New Belgium breaks out of its niche to give the people what they have asked for: it proudly boasts on the side of the bottle "Are you a hopinista?  Thank our Beer Rangers for inspiring (and begging for) this well balanced Simcoe, Cascade, and Chinook hopped IPA."

Our first impression was the sparkling clarity of the bright amber colored beer, which was topped with a hazy, white-yellow head.  Breathing in the smell of piney, slightly citrusy hops, the sweet-toasty smell of the malt comes through at the end like an afterthought.  The first sip goes down easily -- the bitterness typical of IPAs is definitely apparent, but not overpowering.  Sweet caramel and herbal notes linger over the palate, finishing clean and almost reminiscent of a pale ale.  Each sip leaves us wanting more!

Ranger IPA is available all year round.  If you can't go enjoy one at the brewery, consider yourself lucky if you live in one of the 26 states that currently carry this great brew.

Cheers!



New Belgium Brewery is located in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Started in a basement in 1991, this brewery has grown to be one of most successful craft breweries in America.  The brewery is now employee-owned and wind powered (the first in the United States!).  If you are in the area, stop by New Belgium for some samples! http://www.newbelgium.com


Sunday, September 12, 2010

Beer Enlightenment Blog is up and running!

Greetings beer lovers!  If you have wandered across this page, you most likely have the taste for high-quality craft beer.  You are not alone -- we are two beer enthusiasts on a quest to enlighten others about the great beer we encounter.

Our goal is to inform and enlighten you of the great beers that are out there, seasonals that come along the way, and reserve beers that are definitely worth finding.  We hope that you will become enlightened as you share the beers we are drinking.  We want to provide a good mix of beers available nationwide, as well as those that are only available to the local scene.

We are really lucky to live in Fort Collins, CO, one of the great beer cities in the nation.  Here, craft beer is celebrated for its variety of styles - from its Belgian-inspired beers to its hoppy IPAs, Fort Collins is an excellent place for brewers and beer lovers.  With an estimated population of 140,000, Fort Collins boasts seven craft breweries in a state known for having the most beer production with its 103 breweries.

Join us on our search of quality beers!