Shieldback West Coast IPA

Style

Often bold and hop forward with a high bitterness and dry, crisp finish. Made to showcase the bold flavors of American hop varieties.

ABV

7.5%

IBU

66

Glassware

Pint
_static/beer/shieldback-pint.png

Description

This bold hoppy beer takes its cue from the many hop additions we put into it. It is made with the wild lover of hops in mind. We put the tried and true Nugget and Idaho 7 hops on brew day and further dry hop this beer with El Dorado and more Idaho 7. The finish is smooth and tropical. Easy to drink anytime of the year.

Name Origin

Shieldback is the common name of an insect that is endemic to the Serra Nevada and a member of the cricket family (but is not a cricket!). They can be found on the tops of mountains, including Mt. Whitney.

Side story: this beer was originally called “Acrodectes IPA,” after the genus name of the same insect. It was incredibly hard for people to pronounce so we changed it to the common name. The true name of the insect is Alpine Shieldback (Acrodectes philophagus).

Awards

Malt

  • 90% 2-row base Malt

  • Biscuit

  • Munich

  • Dex

  • Pils

  • Wheat

Hops (Heavy)

  • Nugget

  • Idaho 7

  • Eldorado

Tasting Notes

Color

Honey, clear not brilliant, light amber

Aroma

Citrus, earthy, slight cereal sweetness, slightly grassy, pear, slightly smokey

Flavor

Smooth bitterness, herbal, earthy, slightly grassy, light mineral, light citrus, stone fruit

Mouthfeel

Smooth, moderate carb, sharp opening

Pairings