Glassware: Hops are on full display in this delicious IPL and glassware that enhances the aroma and taste are best suited for the beer. The IPA glass works well, so does a snifter, tulip, or nonic pint glass; the key is to use glassware that helps trap the wonderful aroma.

Description: Hoponius Union pours a golden orange hue with a creamy white head that leaves behind a very thick lacing on the glass. The aroma is filled with strong hop notes of citrus, pine, mango and pineapple backed by a semi-sweet malt bill that adds a backing of bready notes. The taste follows the nose with a big hit from the hops up front that bring with it lots of tropical and citrus fruit flavors and hints of pine that impart a sharp bitterness. The smooth and creamy lager malt bill rushes over to sooth the palate with hints of bread and caramel. The medium body and moderate carbonation make this beer extremely smooth and creamy and is perfect for the style. The mixing of styles between the IPA and a lager make this beer an unbelievable drinking experience with perfect balance, tons of hop character, and easy drinkability.

Food pairing: The ample usage of hops and smooth malt character make this beer great to have on hand as the warm summer months approach. Try pairing this beer with any number of great barbecue dishes at your next cookout such as the classic cheeseburger piled high with toppings, chicken, brisket, ribs, or even delicate smoked salmon. The caramelized flavors from the meat will match perfectly with the rich malt profile while the hops will cut through the spices and add a layer of wonderful citrus leaving the carbonation to scrub the palate perfectly clean between each bite. This is also a great beer to pair with Friday night pizza order and do not be afraid to pile on the toppings. This beer can handle it all. The bready notes from the malt sinks its teeth into the crust and never lets go, while the hops match perfectly with toppings but go especially well with pepperoni and sausage.

The Final Word: Jack’s Abby has garnished a great deal of awards in a relatively short period of time. One sip of Hoponius Union and it’s apparent how they pulled off this feat. The brewery is crafting some of the best beers currently on the market and the IPL style is one that is gaining a lot of attention in the craft beer industry. The brewery proved itself as a frontrunner in the style. The incredibly smooth lager qualities and world class IPA characteristics and dry finish make this a beer many craft beer lovers will enjoy. It is a perfect beer for the spring transitional season as the weather begins to warm, prepping us for summer!

Brewer- Jack’s Abby Brewing

Beer- Hoponius Union

Style- India Pale Lager

ABV- 6.70%

Rating: WWWWV

Derek Warren is a beer fanatic, avid homebrewer and beer historian. Derek can be heard weekly on the Beer Geeks Radio Hour at noon on Sundays on WILK 103.1 FM with past episodes available on iTunes.

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Hoponius Union is a blend of lager and India pale ale styles.
https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_jacksabbey.jpgHoponius Union is a blend of lager and India pale ale styles.