King of the Monsters

                                        Beer #6: Hopadillo IPA

If you haven't noticed by now, I am a big fan of Indian Pale Ales. Interestingly, many of the beers I've been trying as of late have been brewed in Texas. When I spotted Hopadillo among the group of beers sold at local music venue Yerberia Cultura, it immediately caught my eye. A part of me found the image of a green armadillo composed entirely of hops so absurd and comical that I would regretted not purchasing it right then and there. The $5 price-tag, although hefty, felt like a bargain when considering a few things, namely its ABV and notable taste.

The beer's packaging includes an off-kilter description of the "Hopadillo" as though it were a mythical creature. The message on the can delineates the beer's ingredients and taste while warning drinker's of the monstrous Hopadillo. The level of fun that Karbach Brewing Co. is having with their product is a refreshing reminder that first and foremost, beers are meant to be enjoyed. Another warning the brewers failed to include is how quickly the beer sneaks up on the drinker, which isn't really a surprise when its ABV is an ample 6.6%. One distinguishable trait the beer possesses is how bitter it tastes, and that piquant flavor is attributed to its most vital ingredient, hops. At the risk of sounding redundant, Hopadillo included the caramel/pine/grassy/bread-infused flavors synonymous with IPA's and unfortunately, not much else. 

Overall, Hopadillo was both savory and refreshing. The biggest drawback this beer has is that the bitterness that dominates the taste does not make it the easiest IPA to drink. However, this is a very minor blemish on the beer itself, and if seen at your local bar, be sure to purchase it anyway, or else the Hopadillo might come after you. 

RATING: 

The Story of an Hour

                             Beer #5: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

During this year's Spring Break, I took it upon myself to gather material for the blog in the form of trying (many) new beers. This venture made it difficult to narrow it down and just write about one beer, but on the very last day of my sabbatical, I tried 60 Minute IPA and immediately knew this was the one that encapsulated my vacation. At the beginning of the week, I experimented with beers that I was unfamiliar with and was, for the most part, pleased with the end result. Much like my vacation itself, my experimentation culminated with a brew that was both smooth and pleasant. 

Unlike Dogfish Head's exceptionally-tasting 90 Minute IPA, this beer is less boozy, but just as delectable. For starters, 60-Minute IPA (pictured on the left) has a luscious golden/copper color, but it is far from being a "light" beer. The beer has 6% ABV, which is considerably less than its 90 Minute counterpart, which has a powerful 9% ABV. The difference in quality, however, is unrecognizable. For an IPA, it is not a powerful beer; instead, it relies on its exquisite aromatic qualities. There are hints all around of citrus, pine, and grassy flavors that, together, create a well-balanced and invigorating beer. 

It is no surprise that the last day of Spring Break is also the International Day of Happiness, and enjoying a 60-Minute IPA at Roosevelt's at 7 was a nice way to conclude my vacation. The only caveat attached to Dogfish Head beers is the steep price range it falls under. If it wasn't so expensive, this is a beer I would be drinking regularly, but because it is pricey, the occasions in which I can enjoy one (which, to be honest, are few and far between), are that much more memorable.

RATING: (Top Rated Beer) 

Viva La Raza!

                                         Beer #4: El Chingon

If there was an adjective to describe El Chingon IPA, look no further than the name, because this beer is unequivocally, 100% chingon. Drinking this beer was an all-around unique experience, partly because the name is not the only thing that sets it apart from other Indian pale ales. Interestingly, the top of the can is removed entirely before drinking it, almost as if the can itself was a nice, chilled mug. Four Corners Brewery present more than just a well-packaged beer, however, as they also seem to focus their efforts on taste.


El Chingon is packed with an abundance of flavors that somersaulted on my tongue. Aside from packing a fierce 7.8% ABV, the beer also has a sweet side. For instance, notes of caramel and citrus blend together nicely to produce a fruity, well-rounded beer. The can features an illustration of a hop plant, an ingredient that permeates the beer and gives it a subtle floral flavor. Moreover, the slightly malty aftertaste is smooth and not overbearing, which is a bit of surprise when considering its alcohol by volume. 


El Chingon is, all-around, one of the best beers I've had in recent memory. The packaging, taste, and experience of drinking it were all unforgettable. Even though it may not be sold at most bars, I would recommend going out of the way to find El Chingon because it is just that good. 

RATING: