A lot of people bang on about BC here in Toronto. The trees are bigger, the people cooler, the air fresher, the sushi better. You’ve probably heard it. Lord knows I have. Not having been west since I was three, I’m really in no place to rebut any of those claims, however, I can certainly support one: There are some killer beers. We’ve been blessed to have Tree Brewing’s Hop Head IPA, and now our friends and heroes at Keep6 Imports have gotten in Red Racer IPA, the pride of Surrey BC. Central City won “Brewery of the Year” at last year’s CBA’s, and Red Racer IPA was voted best beer in BC 2008-2009 by CAMRA Vancouver. A nice pedigree to be sure. I’ve already worked my way through a fair few of these cans, and I would encourage you to do so as well. As a side note, I decided to use this picture, not just because it shows the beer in front of a bike, but because it shows the beer in front of the really awesome bike we just got Ben for his 3rd birthday, demonstrating what cool parents Erika and I are.
Red Racer IPA - Central City Brewing
From a good looking 355ml can with a freshness date stamped to the bottom, Red Racer IPA pours a hazy amber colour that hints at honey yellow at the edges. About 1/2″ of loose head drops to a film in a few minutes, but leaves a bit of lace on the top half of the glass. Aroma is wonderful, good American hops without being overly aggressive. Some pine and lemon peel with a touch of bready malts. Very refreshing on the nose, but still balanced. Buttering hops really come through on the palate, after a quick initial sweet note. Dry without being sticky, there is a bit of pucker my the back of my cheeks and tongue, but it doesn’t linger. The lovely citrusy hops do, though. Showing not just bitter peel, but a bit of juiciness too, they are refreshing and bold. Still not aggressive, I would rather say Red Racer is assertive, like the pin-up girl depicted on the label. Fun, not trashy and on your face, but not afraid to show off a bit. Quite remarkable really. Despite it’s 6.5% abv, the beer remains quite drinkable, the hops keeping your mouth a bit dry and ready for more. Just a wonderful beer, leaving no doubt why this brand particularly and this brewery in general have garnered so much respect and attention.
Cheers to Central City and Keep6 for hooking all of us in Ontario up!
About the Brewery:
At Central City Brewing Co. we believe that a brewpub should be held to the highest standards in the quality of their food, beverage, and service. We reflect that by having all of our award winning brews made with only the finest ingredients available, with no artificial preservatives or flavour-robbing pasteurization. The result? Central City Brewing Co. was named the Best Brewery in Canada at the 2010 Canadian Brewing Awards, one of our numerous awards won in the last seven years. Our kitchen retains the same high standards as our brewhouse, with our distinctive take on comfort food, containing only the freshest local ingredients whenever possible. Join us for one of our daily specials, signature events, or a family dining experience you wont soon forget.
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