Rocky Mountain IPA $8.99 a six-pack
DOTW lifts a glass this week in tribute to the Queen of Fort Collins, outgoing Food editor Kristen Browning-Blas, with an India Pale Ale from Fort Collins Brewery. This is a traditional-type IPA with real hop bitterness, unlike a lot of the greener-tasting hop bombs that many brewers offer as IPAs. It pours a clear light copper with a couple fingers’ worth of dense, cream-colored head. The aroma is pure hops, greener than the taste, with no detectable citrus or malt. In the mouth, the malt makes a brief, bready appearance along with a wisp of grapefruit, giving the flavor some balance. Both are quickly dominated by the hops, which linger well into a strong aftertaste and a bit of a dry finish. Carbonation is pretty strong, and the good drinkability and bitter flavor make this ale a good Memorial Day weekend pairing with well-seasoned beef or pork. A grilled burger with sharp cheddar would be a fine partner. Alcohol by volume of 6.2 percent.
Fort Collins Brewery, Fort Collins;
Marcus Chamberland;
