Over the last 3 years or so, I, your humble blogger, have drastically cut my alcohol consumption for better health and well being, but I’m no tee-totaler and still enjoy a “nose full” every now and then. On a recent trip to my local neighborhood supplier, this 4-pack caught my eye for reasons that are probably obvious!
As far as beers go, I enjoy an IPA every now and then but the circumstances have to be right for it; the weighty bitterness and hoppiness of IPAs doesn’t usually lend itself to just casual drinking: I have to really be in the mood for one. I used to enjoy them often in my younger years but today I usually prefer a smoother amber. It has been a while since I’d had a good IPA, however, and so I decided to grab these cans in spite of their high price.
Bear Republic Brewing Co is, of course, located in California, up north near Santa Rosa about 50 miles from the blighted remains of San Francisco. Its’ a cool name, although of course the state is more aptly referred to now as “the People’s Republic”, but it does bring to mind the CA state flag, which remains one of the coolest in the country, IMHO…not the least of which because I like bears, for all sorts of reasons… So while its made a long way from Wardglenn, it could still be considered a “home grown” brew for those who work and play at Drag City Raceway.
But honestly, I might have bought this even if it was brewed on the east coast. The graphics on the can are irresistible! And what famous racer that guys my age grew up watching on TV wore the number 5 on his car? I think we all know the answer to that one!
From Bear Republic Brewing’s own website:
This hoppy IPA is a full bodied beer brewed with malted barley, wheat, and crystal malts. The malt base is designed to highlight the unique floral qualities of Columbus and Cascade hops from the Pacific Northwest. Racer 5® is one of America’s most medal winning IPAs. Enjoy this iconic, award winning IPA that helped define the West Coast style. There’s a trophy in every glass.
So yeah, it’s pretty hoppy: IPA’s always are and this is no exception. It isn’t so hoppy that you feel like you could chew it, but I can’t say it would be my first choice to quench a thirst while hanging out at the track on a summer’s day. But on a winter’s day, that’s another story! At the moment I’m in the grip of a deep freeze with 3 days of snow in the Rockies, but back in SoCal they race year round, needing little more than a jacket and a cap to keep out the chill in February. Under those conditions, a hoppy IPA might be just the thing for sitting up in the high grandstands watching the action, or even hanging out in pit row.
Until now I’ve never given any consideration to an “official” anything for Drag City, but if the track has an “official beer,” this could well be it, at least for the winter season! Of course no one approves of driving under the influence, but having just one before a race couldn’t hurt… right?
I don’t blame you for having to get that. Though, I haven’t had any alcohol in over a year those graphics alone are too cool and go perfectly with the theme of Drag City!