Let me start out by saying that I am not a huge fan of American IPAs. I tend to prefer their English counterparts, and for two reasons. First, English IPAs are the original and I’m a sucker for tradition. Second, American IPAs tend to be way over-hopped and have little to no concern for creating a balanced brew, but rather the brewmaster throws in an obscene amount of hops without a care in the world about the all out assault that will take place in your mouth. I get that some people like that. I don’t quite know or understand why, but they do.
I have, in my travels, come across a few American IPAs that I enjoy. Some that have taken a dose of American hops and had a brewmaster that cared enough to make a well balanced brew. Homestead Beer Co’s Claim Jumper IPA is one of these. When I try a new American IPA I go in not expecting much, and Claim Jumper left me pleasantly surprised.
This brew pours a nice transparent orange color with a substantial off-white head. I tend to pour my beers a bit more vigorously than most because I love to rouse a good head. This also allows the beer’s wonderful aromas to come forward and out of the glass. This beer smells of rich, fresh American hops. Very piney and resinous with a little bit of citrus and a small hint of tropical fruit. On first sip the carbonation sweeps across your palate. Had I been enjoying a meal with this brew I would imagine it would scrub away fats and oils and ready me for the next bite. This beer is surprisingly light for an IPA and doesn’t fill you up. I get the impression that the brewers at Homestead may have been trying for a sessionable IPA but at 5.8% I wouldn’t consider it as such. For me, anything over 5% ABV is not sessionable. This beer tastes as it smells: very hop forward, piney, resinous, with a hint of citrus and a small amount of fruit. Mid-palate, this beer is very clean and crisp and it finishes with a bit of lingering bitterness.
Overall I would say that Homestead’s Claim Jumper is a great example of the American IPA style. It is hoppy enough to satisfy the typical “hop head” but well balanced enough to satisfy someone who still desires the ability to taste once he is done with the beer.
Claim Jumper IPA is available at area bottle shops including Corner Stone Craft Beer & Wine, Weiland’s Market, Savor Growl, Savor Market, The Beverage Source, Crafted Drafts, Market Basket and Granville Market. Suggested retail price is $5.99.
Read reviews of other local beers
This is a guest post from David Moore. David is an assistant manager at The Crest Gastropub in Clintonville, an avid homebrewer, experienced drinker of fine brews, and is currently studying to become a Certified Cicerone and Beer Judge.
