Left Coast Torrey Pines IPA
After a heated soccer match there’s nothing I like more than opening up a quality ale and drinking it while cooling down. Today was a double header, picking up a couple of beers was a requirement. I wanted something a little different, I took my time and reviewed the stock at the liquor store. Lots of Belgium beers I’ve never had, a couple interesting looking East Coast labels, but nothing really caught my eye. Left Coast IPA? Hmmmmmmmmmm.
This IPA represents the West Coast with high honors and continues to build its presence throughout Southern California… Intensely bold hop flavors define this American-style India Pale Ale. Five different types of hops and imported English malts are used to maximize flavor and create fresh hop flavor and aroma. It is double dry-hopped in both the fermenter and serving tank to please any hop-head. Hop Drinkers, get ready, get set, go!
We have a winner! I grab a couple of bottles and head out.
Appearance
Their bottle artwork is fantastic, it caught my eye at the store and got me to read the description. Pouring the beer, the head is quite small, roughly 1/2 finger at the top of my pint glass. The head quickly dissipates and leaves very minor white highlights around the edge of my glass. The actual beer is a bright golden color with no haze.
Taste
For how much they hype up the hops in the description, it’s a little disappointing. A very drinkable IPA but nothing really stands out as fantastic.
Availability
I’ve only seen this at a couple of stores in town, so you may have to search for a while to find it bottled. It’s available at Oggi’s on draft.
Awards
- Silver Great American Beer Festival 2000
- Silver Great American Beer Festival 2005
Rating
A tasty IPA, but not the best. I’ll definitely drink this beer again (either at Oggi’s or in the bottle).