New Belgium Ranger IPA Review

Posted by Andy on Jul 10, 2012 in Beer Reviews | 0 comments

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins, Colorado
Beer: Ranger IPA
Serving: 16 oz can
Glassware: New Belgium globe glass
Information: 6.5% ABV, 26 AUG 12 on bottom of can.
Style: American IPA
Price: $8.99 / 4-pack, cans
Availability: Year-Round

Cellaring: Not recommended for extended aging.
Pairings: Visit this link for a plethora of unique pairings!

Appearance

Ranger is a beautiful deep golden orange hue that vibrantly shines with clarity so one can witness the column of carbonation feeding the rich ivory head. The pile of tight foam cakes the infamous globe in lace as it drops for one sexy looking result.

Smell

“We’re Hoppy, You’re Happy” appears on opposite sides of the can’s lip, and I can’t agree with them more. The overflowing aroma of fresh hops spewing from Ranger is inviting and brings a smile to my face. Juicy lupulin glands share their delicious aromatics with us in the form of sticky pine resin and light citrus zest. Traces of sweet caramel and pale malt float through, but by no means is it showcased beyond balance.

Taste

Hop flavor is overwhelmed by bitterness in the mouthfeel but that’s only because the flavor is very well balanced and drinkable. Pine resin and citrus compounds both emerge first, but a nice honey-drizzled biscuit and caramel malt finish keeps it from becoming too lop-sided.

Mouthfeel

Incredibly smooth and drinkable, Ranger IPA washes over the tongue with grace and class, gently finishing out with a building bitterness and lightly dry, crisp and refreshing finish that remains drinkable enough to satisfy without crippling the tongue.

Overall

My wife is a discerning hop head that’s fairly picky about her IPAs without coming off too snobby. I don’t think she has explored the Ranger yet, but I’m fairly confident she’d really dig this well-balanced yet hop-forward delight because it showcases the hops’ citrus and earthy characteristics without bashing you over the head with them. Essentially, Ranger IPA is drinkable and refreshing, something a lot of us want at the core of our beers.