Up next in Bear Republic’s Challenge Series is #90, subtitled German Connection, “inspired by German-origin ales and Gene Hackman’s slick driving skills. This only-brewed once ale is aggressively hopped with 4.5 pounds per barrel of Mandarina Bavaria, Huell Melon, and Hallertau Blanc for citrusy and fruity aromatics.”

It’s a lovely brew, creamy and thick with haze, and pushy with notes of shortbread cookies, banana smoothie, and vanilla cream. There’s a brooding hoppiness underneath, with notes of forest floor and angelica lingering to the finish. All told, it’s in lovely balance, taking the IPA formula and spinning it delightfully and unexpectedly with the unctuous body of a big German brew.

7.2% abv.

A- / $5 per 16 oz can / bearrepublic.com

Bear Republic Challenge Series 90

$5

9

Rating

9.0/10

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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