Bear Republic Brewery - Racer 5 IPA: Start your engines bitches…

It is national IPA day. I freaking love IPA’s. Despite being extremely busy I simply cannot let this day go by without a review. As I scanned the archives I was horrified to realize that I had never reviewed one of my favorites of all time… Racer 5 by Bear Republic. Today just seemed like a fitting day to right this unjustifiable wrong.

Bear Republic is one of the many breweries that have popped up in Cali in the last 20 years. Founded in 1995 these guys are one of the original West Coast brew houses. Racer 5 pours on the pale side with a citrine hue and very active bubbly visage. The aroma is actually quite sweet and full of sexy citrus. You can also get hints of pine and bready malt. It’s awesome and sexy and awesome.

Here is the deal. I am not going to pretend that I am “discovering” this brew as I write this review. I have been drinking this beer faster than Ryan Seacrest can consume the youthful souls of teenagers for years. Racer 5 is freaking fantastic! It has perfectly balanced light body that mixes with a sweet and hoppy citrus finish. This is the most drinkable IPA I have ever found. The hints of pine and grapefruit just seal the deal in a perfect harmony. AND… AND to top this all off, Racer 5 is one of the most inexpensive IPAs on the shelf. It is typically three to four dollars cheaper than any other bomber in the cooler. What a freaking steal.  Racer 5 is great. Just buy it and love it.

ABV: 7.0%

Consumed: Sensory Glass

Verdict: Buy a Keg!

Comments

[Steve J.]

I've been on a misson to find the best American IPA, annoying my wife in the process by filling the fridge with multiple six packs. I finally got to Bear Republic Racer 5, and it has moved to the top of the list. It's the best balanced IPA I've found; I love getting a good hit of hops while still tasting the other flavors, which I perceive as citrus/caramel/pine.