Left Handed Brewing Company- Warrior IPA: Limited Release, Unlimited Fresh Hop Flavor
Friday, April 16, 2010 at 4:06PM | by Jason 
I’m officially lifting the self-imposed IPA ban. Mainly due to the fact that I headed over to the beverage depot after grabbing some dinner with the old lady and Keith was putting the new shipments on display. He & I began discussing some of the new arrivals and there were a handful of IPA’s he was telling me I should try. Needless to say I walked out with 7 different IPAs. My only decision now is which one to try first? After a lineup I went for a beer that has some great label artwork, is only brewed once a year and is from my current favorite Craft Beer state. I’m talking about Left Handed Brewing Company’s Warrior IPA.
Left Handed Brewing Company classifies Warrior IPA as a Fresh-Hopped IPA and their website describes is as, “Full of fresh hop flavor, this fresh-hopped IPA had become an annual cult classic. Brewed only once a year using fresh whole flower Colorado grown hops flown in from Rising Sun Farms in Paonia by Schwall and Spears Hop Freight Service. A strong malt foundation complements the bright floral hoppiness, allowing for a well-balanced, drinkable IPA. A part of our Seasonal Collection.”
Warrior IPA pours an orange/cinnamon color with a ½” light tan head with a floral hop & faint orange aromas and is 6.6% ABV.
This is my first taste of any of the Left Handed Brewing Co’s concoctions and I have to say that Warrior IPA is pretty damn good. Warrior IPA is extremely smooth and balanced. It’s not overly bitter (60 IBUs) and starts citrusy then transitions to a slight grapefruit bite and finishes with a malt sweetness that hangs around ever so briefly. I’m really digging the fresh hop brews that I have tried as they seem to be not as bitter as your typical IPA but what they lack in bitterness they more than make up for in flavor. Warrior IPA is not lacking in the flavor department that’s for sure. If you are looking to enjoy an IPA but are not a fan of the overly bitter characteristics then this brew is for you. I only suggest that you not wait, as this seasonal offering is only brewed once and year and you need to get your hands on some while it lasts.
ABV: 6.6%
Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass
Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack
