If you're a fan of West Coast IPAs, you've probably already had an el segundo broken skull ipa you are holding at some stage. It's one of those rare beers that manages to bridge the particular gap between celeb branding and real, high-quality craft making. Usually, when an idol like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin gets involved with a product, there's a nagging worry that will it's all simply marketing fluff. But honestly? That one is the real deal. It's not just a beer for wrestling fans; it's the beer for people who actually like the flavor of hops along with a clean finish.
I remember the particular first time I saw it on the shelf. The brand is unmistakable along with the skull logo design, and it definitely leans into that will tough, no-nonsense aesthetic. But once a person crack it open, you recognize El Segundo Brewing Company wasn't just playing about. They wished to create a beer that will Austin himself would like to drink after the long day, and it ends up their palate is pretty place on for such a classic IPA needs to be.
What Can make This IPA Different?
In a world where it feels like each new release is a "Triple Dry-Hopped Milkshake Hazy IPA" that tastes like a fruit juice smoothie, the el segundo broken skull ipa feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a throwback to when IPAs had been supposed to become clear, bitter, and refreshing. It doesn't try to hide behind a wall of sediment or lactose.
The beer pours a beautiful, clear golden color. It looks exactly like what you'd imagine a standard-bearer for the style need to look like. There's a good head upon it that lingers, and the carbonation is active without being overly aggressive. It's the kind associated with beer that looks good within a glass, but let's become honest, it tastes just as great straight out of the can while you're hovering over the grill.
The Flavor Profile Breakdown
When you take that first sip, you're immediately hit with individuals classic "C" hops. We're talking Citra, Cascade, and Chinook. If you've been drinking craft beverage for a while, you understand that's the holy trinity for any Western world Coast profile.
- Citrus fruit Notes: There's great slim into grapefruit plus orange peel. It's bright and zingy right at front side of the tongue.
- Piney Bitterness: As it moves to the back of your throat, you obtain that resinous, piney resentment that defines the particular style. It's not really "enamel-stripping" bitter, yet it's definitely there to let a person know it's an IPA.
- Clean Finish: This is definitely the most important part for me. It doesn't leave a sugary film in your mouth. It surface finishes dry, which is precisely what makes this so drinkable.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
It's actually quite a cool story exactly how this beer had become. Steve Austin is a legitimate beer enthusiast, and he didn't wish to just slap his name on a generic lager. This individual sought out El Segundo Brewing Firm specifically because he or she liked their style. They're a smaller outfit based in California known for becoming "hop-forward, " and that's exactly what he was searching for.
They will spent a great deal of time tweaking the recipe. It wasn't a "one and done" circumstance. They wanted to find that sweet spot of 6. 7% ABV—strong enough in order to have some backbone, but not therefore heavy that a person can't have the couple while watching a game. It's a testament in order to the brewers that they could fulfill both a world-famous athlete's tastes plus the picky specifications of the build beer community.
Why Drinkability Issues
We speak a lot about "crushability" in the beer world, plus the el segundo broken skull ipa defines that term. Sometimes a person want a weighty imperial stout that will you sip with regard to an hour, several of the time, you just would like something that will go down easy.
Although it's sitting at six. 7%, it doesn't feel heavy. You don't get that "boozy" heat that some IPAs possess. It's dangerous in a way due to the fact it's so smooth which you may forget it's a standard-strength art beer and not really a light lager. This drinkability is probably why it offers become such a staple in liquor stores and pubs across the nation. It's accessible good enough for someone that is just stepping into craft beer, but complex enough to get a veteran hop-head.
Pairing It Along with Food
In case you're wondering what things to eat while bumping back one associated with these, you really can't go wrong along with anything salty or even spicy. Because of that citrusy resentment, it cuts best through fats.
- Burgers: A classic cheeseburger with some jalapeños is a perfect match.
- Pizza: Something having a bit of spice, like pepperoni or chicken, plays well with the piney notes.
- Wings: Specifically Zoysia grass wings. The hops accentuate the warmth of the sauce in the simplest way feasible.
I've also had it along with some sharp cheddar cheese and crackers, and the comparison between creamy parmesan cheese and the sharp hops was fantastic. It's a versatile ale that doesn't need a fancy five-course meal to end up being enjoyed.
The Resurgence of the particular West Coast Style
For a few years presently there, it felt like the West Coast IPA was passing away out. Everything has been about the "Haze Craze. " Don't get me incorrect, I love an excellent juicy New Great britain IPA as very much as the next individual, but sometimes I actually miss the attack. I miss the clarity.
The success associated with the el segundo broken skull ipa has kind of helped remind people why we all fell deeply in love with IPAs in the first place. There's some thing honest about a clear beer. You can't hide flaws within a clear West Coast IPA. When the water profile is definitely off or the particular hop timing is definitely wrong, you'll flavor it immediately. El Segundo nails the technical side associated with the brewing process here, and it shows in every set.
Is This Just a Gimmick?
I'll be the first to admit I was skeptical at first. I've seen enough "celebrity" liquors to understand that often the particular bottle is worthy of more than what's inside. But along with this IPA, the particular gimmick ends from the label. As soon as the beer is in the glass, this stands on the own merits.
Actually, numerous people buy this because they including Steve Austin, but they keep purchasing it since the beverage is actually exceptional. It has made it much longer than many celebrity collaborations due to the fact the quality will be consistent. It's not really just a memento; it's a refrigerator staple. Whether you're a fan of the "Texas Rattlesnake" or you've never watched the minute of wrestling in your life, you can appreciate the craftsmanship that proceeded to go into this.
Final Thoughts upon the Pour
At the finish of the day, the el segundo broken skull ipa is precisely what it states be: a hard-hitting, no-nonsense West Coast IPA. It's dependable. You know specifically what you're obtaining every time you pop the top. It's got the particular citrus, it's obtained the pine, and it's got that crisp finish that will keeps you coming back another sip.
If you happen to observe a pack at the local shop, do yourself a favour and grab it. It's an excellent example of what happens when a brewery and also a personality in fact share an eyesight to get a quality item. It's a beverage that deserves a spot in your rotator, especially if you're tired of the particular overly sweet, murky IPAs that appear to be just about everywhere lately. Give it a try, plus you'll see why it offers earned the reputation as 1 of the nearly all recognizable and well known IPAs on the particular market today. And that's the bottom part line—well, you understand the particular rest.