This IPA is brewed by Tap It Brewing Company of San Luis Obispo, CA. The brewery opened in 2010.
In 2012 this IPA won the Gold Medal for American IPA's at the Great American Beer Fest, beating out Alpine Brewing Company's Duet. California has brought home many a gold medal for IPA's including the very first one in 1989 with Sacramento's Rubicon Brewing. Since then, Seabright, SLO Brewing, Bear Republic, Firestone, Drake's, Port, Hoptown, Santa Barbara Brewing won IPA gold. I found this at Taylor's Market in Sacramento for $4.99. It has an ABV of 7%.
The aroma has strong tropical fruit hops. The flavor is mellower than the aroma, but the tropical fruit hops are present throughout along with a gentle bitterness and a light caramel malt background. There's a slightly stronger citrus rind bitterness at the end, but it doesn't linger long. The mouthfeel is bubbly with a medium light body.
This is a well-made, tasty IPA. I wish I could put this next to Duet, because I want to say I'd side with Duet, but this is still a very good IPA. IPA's are a standard style now for California breweries, but they're not easy to pull off. This is an impressive offering for a young brewery. My critique is that for an IPA I'd prefer a fuller body and slightly less carbonation, but that's my personal preference. With its Gold Medal and solid flavors this is a Must Have It.
Agreed. It's a great beer at a great price. At the 2013 GABC, it won the bronze and Alpine's Duet took the silver.
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