Spring Forward IPA - Breckenridge Brewery Review
Concept beers are like concept albums, if the musician doesn’t know what they’re doing the result will be a muddled mess. There are lots of reasons for this, but I think the main one (besides artistry) is the fact that your consumer will already have an idea of the concept in mind before they take that first listen, or sip.
Many American Irish Stouts fall short because our first, and favorite, is Guinness. And a Mexican Lager stateside might lack the flair of the one served alongside an Aguachile in Tijuana. And don’t get me started on the supposed dessert ales—no, you can’t really make a beer taste like strawberry shortcake, and why would you want to?
Seeing Grapefruit IPA on the side of a bottle, it sparks our curiosity, but then the questions batter us: “Does it really taste like grapefruit? Does it really give the feel of eating a grapefruit?” A fair question, especially for us Texans who can often get our hands on great grapefruit.
But our job is to try, and not to judge till the first sip is in the tank. So, let’s see how this seasonal Grapefruit IPA, Spring Forward, from Breckenridge Brewery, coming in at 6.5% ABV and 50 IBU, stands up to the real thing.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Light golden, hazy, and topped with a cream-colored head.
On the Nose--Zesty grapefruit aroma with a fleeting sweetness that’s met with a mouthwatering bitterness. Spring Forward is meeting the promise of grapefruit so far, so let’s see if Breckenridge can finish it.
On the Palate--Just like the aroma, Spring Forward is expressive with distinct ruby red grapefruit flavor. It starts with the mildest sweetness and transitions smoothly to a grapefruit bitterness with a necessary addition of floral and dank flavors that elevate the citrus and add complexity. It finishes very dry, as a real grapefruit does, and a light- to medium-body acts as a perfect vehicle for this style and concept of beer.
Food Pairings: This is a warm weather IPA so pair it with warm weather foods: Salads, burgers, grilled chicken, and another beer.
Final Thoughts:
Concepts are hard to achieve, and part of that has to do with picking a concept in your realm that can be manipulated to something that translates to the drinker. Spring Forward Grapefruit IPA does just that. I would imagine most people picking up this beer know what eating a grapefruit is like: it starts sweet and juicy, jumps to a zesty and floral bitterness, and wipes the palate dry and encourages the consumer to get back to that juiciness. Spring Forward does something similar to that, while also adding a bit of complexity to keep the beer from getting muted, which a beer like this is in danger of becoming. Not to sound douchey, but it’s quite an experience in a glass, which is hard to achieve for any beer, let alone one that’s sessionable and lighter in body.
Spring Forward IPA is very much like eating a grapefruit, from the fleeting sweetness, to the floral and sharp bitterness, to the dry finish. Well done, Breckenridge, well done.
Get this seasonal Grapefruit IPA while you can.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew