Review: Random Double IPA Batch #2

Nearly every culture on the planet dedicates a specific cultural delicacy or beverage to one of the four seasons. In North America, we borrow from all of the cultures that make us who we are—and the one commonality that has followed us over the oceans and time is beer. It weaves itself into our holidays and celebrations and connects us with our pasts. The most diverse beer time on the calendar is upon us now. As we enter the winter solstice, you’re going to encounter beers that range from dry and fruity to rich and chewy. Our beers this month represent the diversity that brings us all together while adding that extra spice that makes the holidays special.

Random Double IPA Batch #2

Brewery/Brand: 2 Row Brewing
ABV: 8.5%
Serving Style: 12-oz. bottle

Description: Random DIPA is 2 Row Brewing Co.’s only beer that experiments periodically with different hop blends, while always keeping the original malt base. This #2 version has Mosaic and Simcoe hops, which are known for their complex array of tropical fruit, citrus, berry, herbal, earthy and pine characteristics. The nose on this beer has a spicy nuttiness and a distinct fruitiness brought on by the Mosaic hops. The taste starts with slightly toasted caramel malt that gives way to the aforementioned spicy/nutty flavors and is rounded out by somewhat bitter hops with hints of orange and pineapple in the end. The finish is slightly crisp and prickly.

Overview: One of the great things about beers like these is that they give you an education on how different hop blends can greatly alter not only the bitterness of a beer, but, the perceived fruitiness that comes from these wonderful bittering flowers. Look for the batch number on the side window of Random DIPA bottles.