My latest Vue Weekly column is out – a review of Red Racer IPA, from Central City Brewing in Surrey, B.C. This beer is climbing my personal beer charts – with a bullet! It has only been in Alberta since the summer, but I know that many beer fans have already partaken of its particular joyous flavour.
I will leave the details of the review for the Vue piece, which you can read here. But let me be clear. I really like this beer. It is unapologetically hoppy with a big grapefruit hops aroma and flavour (from the dry hopping of American “C” hops). It might just be the best Canadian-made India Pale Ale I have had (although there are some good ones out there). And, better yet, despite its assertive bitterness, the beer remains easily drinkable as there is enough biscuit sweetness to create a counterpoint.
Seven-year-old Central City started as a brewpub in Surrey (it still is), but a couple years back bought a canning line and has been slowly expanding their distribution. The choice of cans, as I have discussed before in this post about Yukon adopting cans, is complex, and one with which I don’t fully agree (I still want to do that side-by-side taste test of cans vs. bottles). That said, I will happily make an exception for Red Racer and other champion beer. And it appears I am not alone in my opinion of their beer. Central City cleaned up at the 2010 Canadian Brewing Awards, taking four medals plus Brewery of the year.
And maybe, just maybe, if Albertans buy enough of the IPA and the Pale Ale (which is also available), they will like us enough to send more of their beer our way – like Thor’s Hammer!
December 10, 2010 at 12:17 PM
I couldn’t agree more with you, this is a great beer. This summer it was suggested that I give it a try and right away it became a favorite of mine. I haven’t seen it in stores lately but I’m sure I’m just unlucky and other beer drinkers are grabbing it from the shelves before I get to it.
December 10, 2010 at 5:05 PM
there were supply issues. It’s back and shouldn’t run out again.
December 10, 2010 at 5:10 PM
That’s great news then. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open.
December 10, 2010 at 9:19 PM
A friend of mine lived two blocks away from this pub (in very scary Whalley – honestly, if you can help it, don’t head out that way!) and discovered this beer a few years back Not only was it great tasting but ridiculously cheap for a six pack. We got this every weekend so I’m glad that Alberta is carrying it. I’ve been foisting this one on everyone I know who I think can handle the strong (and wonderfully delicious) flavour!
December 13, 2010 at 10:30 AM
The beer is stellar and is the best tasting IPA made in Canada. I’m glad the prices have gone down. If this even showed up on tap anywhere I’d just move to the bar.
Your comment about the cans – I think for the most part its not as bad as it used to be. Considering that RR IPA probably wont sit long on the shelf any tiny leaching that may occur should be pretty much undetectable (aside from the pre-concieved impressions). I’m not saying it can’t happen. There is obviously a growing trend for higher end brewers to use cans for excellent beers. But my opinion is even unproven to myself as I’ve yet to do direct comparisons.