Beer of the Weekend #868: Westown IPA
My plan was to fill my growler at Big Grove this weekend. (I have been to the Iowa City location only once, which is a shame.) However, I needed yogurt, so I grabbed a four-pack of Westown IPA, brewed by the Twisted Vine Brewery of Des Moines, Iowa, while at New Pi.
The color is lightly hazy, medium amber. A finger of buttery, bubbly, beige head does not stick around for long but does not dissipate quickly, leaving a buttery collar and bubbly skim. Lacing remains stuck to the side as the glass is emptied.
The aroma is citrusy, fruity, and portends mild bitterness. There are scents of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, zest, a touch of mango or pineapple (it has a hint of something tropical), and light pine and earth. It has a touch of spice.
The mouthfeel is smooth and dry. The bitterness creeps in, slowly settling on the taste buds and staying there long after each sip. It is very citrusy and leans sharp, but it is not astringent. There are flavors of grapefruit, orange, lemon zest, caramel, and earthy spice and bitterness. The spice and earth become more prominent as the beer warms, and malt sweetness takes the stage to complement the hops. There are hints of tropical fruit, but they are fleeting. There is nothing special about it, but it is a solid and tasty brew.
Fun facts about Westown IPA:
• Style: American IPA.
• Price: $10.99 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans at the New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 6.8 percent ABV.
• IBU: 78.
• Twisted Vine's taproom is a place I want to spend time in the next time I'm in the Des Moines area. It is much close to my sister's than Confluence. It is not as accessible by bike, but a lot closer.
The Quiet Man's grade: B.
The color is lightly hazy, medium amber. A finger of buttery, bubbly, beige head does not stick around for long but does not dissipate quickly, leaving a buttery collar and bubbly skim. Lacing remains stuck to the side as the glass is emptied.
The aroma is citrusy, fruity, and portends mild bitterness. There are scents of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, zest, a touch of mango or pineapple (it has a hint of something tropical), and light pine and earth. It has a touch of spice.
The mouthfeel is smooth and dry. The bitterness creeps in, slowly settling on the taste buds and staying there long after each sip. It is very citrusy and leans sharp, but it is not astringent. There are flavors of grapefruit, orange, lemon zest, caramel, and earthy spice and bitterness. The spice and earth become more prominent as the beer warms, and malt sweetness takes the stage to complement the hops. There are hints of tropical fruit, but they are fleeting. There is nothing special about it, but it is a solid and tasty brew.
Fun facts about Westown IPA:
• Style: American IPA.
• Price: $10.99 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans at the New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 6.8 percent ABV.
• IBU: 78.
• Twisted Vine's taproom is a place I want to spend time in the next time I'm in the Des Moines area. It is much close to my sister's than Confluence. It is not as accessible by bike, but a lot closer.
The Quiet Man's grade: B.
