I just returned from The Compound in Scottsdale and a preview party for Ranger IPA, the latest offering from New Belgium Brewing. The history behind the beer goes a little something like this...
Once upon a time there was a brewery named New Belgium and that brewery needed a sales force to go out into the world and spread good beer far and wide. But NBB didn't just need sales folks, they needed Rangers to protect, pour and partake. And so the initial offering of an IPA is named in their honor - those that spend countless days ensuring that we the people get fresh, great beer and demonstrate the joy of drinking it.
The liquid itself is delightful! By far the closest thing to a hop heads delight to come out of New Belgium. Ranger is still beautifully balanced, quite the feat when you consider it clocks in at 70 IBUs and over 6% ABV. Typical of NBB's hops line-up it features Chinook, Cascade and a relative newcomer (to NBB not IPAs), Simcoe in this lively brew. Then they do it all over again by dry hopping with Cascade. What you get is a citrus, fruity, crisp finish that keeps you from refusing a second round. Cheers to the NBB Rangers, congrats on getting your beer!
