Review: Deschutes Brewery Rip City Lager and Royal Fresh Imperial IPA
Two new beers from our friends in Bend, Oregon at Deschutes Brewery. Let’s go for it.
Deschutes Brewery Rip City Lager – A light lager created in combination with, of all brands, the Portland Trail Blazers. Lemon is the dominant element here, paired with straightforward notes of fresh cereal and bitter hops. There’s really not much to it, and while a lingering herbal note on the finish elevates it above the usual can-o’-lager on the market, it’s nothing life-changing. It feels just about perfect for guzzling at a basketball game, though. Someday, I mean. 4.8% abv. B- / $NA per six-pack
Deschutes Brewery Royal Fresh Imperial IPA – This is a new entry into the “fresh” family at Deschutes, joining Fresh Squeezed IPA, Fresh Haze IPA, and Lil’ Squeezy Juicy Ale. Five pounds of 7 different types of hops go into each barrel of this beer, which packs a significant punch of alcohol, pushing it into double IPA territory. Robustly earthy and blatantly hoppy, it’s bursting with flavor in the realm of resin, malt, extracted citrus, and dried flowers. Lots going on, and the semi-syrupy body gives it plenty of grip. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but this bottle was empty before I knew it. 9% abv. A- / $11 per six-pack
Deschutes Brewery Rip City Lager
0.00
