A Beer Worthy of Its Name

First off, I have to say that I love Alpine Brewing's IPAs. There is something distinct about them that when you drink one, you know you are drinking an Alpine beer. And I'm not going to lament the fact that Alpine is yet another brewery that we don't get distribution from here in New Mexico, as we are one of the 49.5 states that don't get their beers (southern to mid-California is as far as it goes). But thanks to the collaboration craze, you are able to get a taste of what you have been missing. Alpine teamed up with New Belgium to create Super IPA (a play on the original name, Lex Lupulin...which, while a cool name, made the people at Odell Brewing nervous that it might confuse people into thinking that it was the same beer as their St. Lupulin. Which is ridiculous, as one is biblical on the other comical. But anyway...). Super IPA is super to me because New Belgium's brewers seem to allow the distinct Alpine flavor to shine through without turning the beer into "Hoppy Fat Tire". Of the Columbus, Simcoe, Amarillo, and Centennial hops used, the Amarillo is most prevalent, with the tropical fruits dominating with nary a hint of the 99 IBUs or the 9% ABV the beer carries. In fact, the beer reminds me of Alpine's excellent Pure Hoppiness DIPA. And I know I said I wasn't going to lament, but lamenting is kind of what I do- while we got the beer just a few days ago, I was drinking it all the way in South Carolina nearly two weeks ago. I-25, distribution people, I-25!
Jubilation has these 22 oz. bottles for $8.99.