Beer #12: Rampant Imperial IPA

For this week's selection, I decided to try a beer that came highly recommended by a friend. The design featured hops topped with a crown, so I immediately knew that hoppiness was this beer's selling point. As someone who enjoys beer with a bitter kick to them, I looked forward to trying something new from New Belgium Brewery, the makers of the bitter, but sumptuous Fat Tire.

It an unexpected turn of events, Rampant was actually much more bitter than expected. After my first sip, my palate was barraged by a wave of tartness that took me by surprise. Finishing the beer was somewhat difficult because of the overwhelming combination of citrus, grapefruit, lemon, and grassy hops. Moreover, Rampant is teeming with alcohol, packing a ridiculous 8.5% ABV. Not feeling discouraged, I decided to drink a second beer, but its overtly-boozy taste was too much to handle. As someone who drinks with alacrity, I found myself sipping this beer, not because I was enjoying it, but because of how difficult it was to imbibe. Needless to say, I gave up after just two beers.

After drinking a varied selection of hoppy beers, it was shocking to discover an IPA that was just way too hoppy. Rampant is reasonably priced, but finishing the six-pack will be, more than anything, a laborious chore.

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                                        Beer #11: Soul Doubt

On a recent trip to San Antonio, I came across a beer that shared its name with a song from punk-rock icons NoFX. Oddly enough, the beer is brewed locally in San Antonio and is sold at San Antonio Spurs games (for the steep price of $7 for a 12 ounce can). Even stranger, I listened to NoFX's music on the way to S.A., particularly the album that included the raw and hooky opening track, "Soul Doubt." Clearly, it was a sign from the heavens... or just pure happenstance. Either way, I seized the opportunity. 

"Soul Doubt" is an Indian pale ale from Freetail Brewing Company, the first of their offerings I have tried. The design on the can features a spray-paint style emblem with nicely contrasted colors that have a punk-rock aesthetic to it. This micro-brew contains a respectable 5.9% ABV, which, in retrospect, is really not bad for $7 at a sporting event. Soul Doubt has a mildly hoppy taste that is accentuated by its earthy flavors. For an IPA, is isn't too bitter, but instead has a surprisingly smooth taste.

Regrettably, I did not have the chance to scour the beer aisle's at the San Antonio H-E-B's to purchase a six-pack of Soul Doubt. In fact, it was so good that when I return, I might purchase more than just one. 

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