First Posted: 3/4/2014

Beer: Grapefruit Slam IPA

Brewer: Stochasticity Project

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

ABV: 8.20%

Description: Grapefruit Slam IPA pours a clear yellow with orange hues and white head that doesn’t stick around too long, but does leave a thin lacing behind. The aroma is overwhelming citrus, with grapefruit being the most dominant, but hints of oranges and lemons dance in the background. Just to add some depth, a bit of pine cuts through as well as hops, hops, and more hops! The taste is also dominated by grapefruit; the bitterness attacks the palate with vengeance and does not let go, with a wonderful citrus bouquet hitting hard, bringing hints of tangerines, lemons, oranges, peaches, and pineapple. All is backed by a smooth and sweet malt bill that provides enough character and balance to bring about a refreshingly crisp and dry finish to the beer. The medium body and moderate carbonation are perfect for this beer and do not give the slightest bit of evidence as to the 8.2 percent ABV. This is a very easy-drinking and highly enjoyable IPA and a must-have for IPA lovers.

Food pairing: The more aggressive IPAs and DIPAs pair perfectly with spicy foods that pack a bit of a bite themselves, and Grapefruit Slam IPA is no different. The citrus punch provides an extra flavor profile within many of these dishes. Try pairing this with a bold fajitas dish, as the spices will complement the hops wonderfully and the grapefruit will provide a citrus kick. Another great Mexican dish to pair with this is quesadillas and cheese enchiladas; the cheese will stagger the aggressive hop kick, and the sweet malt and grapefruit will shine through. If you are looking for something more in line for a weekend night at home watching TV, try pairing Grapefruit Slam with pizza or burgers and pile those toppings on, as this beer can take it and dish it out.

The final word: This new project from a well-known brewery checks all the boxes that any IPA lover could desire. The name of the beer says it all; IPA lovers have come to adore the strong hoppy grapefruit punch that comes from many hops, but the addition of grapefruit peel kicks up the intense bitterness another notch. However, newcomers to IPAs may want to stay clear from this until they become a bit more acclimated; the taste is a bit intense, but in the best way possible. While this is a new beer to the market, it has hit it pretty aggressively and has great distribution, but for a limited time. I for one cannot wait to see what rolls out next from this project! IPA lovers, go hunt this one down; you will not be disappointed!

Rating: W W W W W

Where can I get it? Currently available in 22-ounce bottles at: J & H Beer, Plains Township; Backyard Ale House, Scranton; Exit 190 Beer Deli, Dickson City; and Krugel’s Georgetown Deli& Beer, Wilkes-Barre

Remember, enjoy responsibly! Cheers!

-Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer, and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour on 102.3 FM Saturdays at 10 a.m.