Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is hosting a bottle release event this Saturday featuring two special infused brews, a killer tap lineup and a real. goddamn. wolf.
Wolf’s Ridge is releasing 22oz bombers of Coffee Vanilla Dire Wolf Russian Imperial Stout ($12, limit five bottles) and Coconut Howling Moon Imperial IPA ($8, limit seven bottles) at an event this Saturday, July 30 starting at 10am at their taproom, located downtown at 215 N 4th Street.
The taproom will be host to a real live wolf for guests to meet and greet, courtesy of conservationist group Ironwood Wolves. This will also be Wolf’s Ridge’s first taproom event since opening their taproom kitchen, with a limited version of that menu offered due to expected crowds. Wolf’s Ridge will have several special beers on tap and a few casks including coconut passionfruit infused Howling Moon and Clear Sky cream ale with starfruit, kiwi and blackberry.
We got an early preview bottle of Coconut Howling Moon — check out our beer critic Paul’s review below.
Double IPAs are big beers. Huge on alcohol, and massively hopped, few beer styles will grip your tongue with the same ferocity as a double IPA. Wolf’s Ridge takes that concept of enormity, and then sticks some coconut all up in there. And we’re talking deep. Yeah, I made an ambiguously sexual reference in a beer review. What now? The beer game at Wolf’s Ridge is always strong, and Coconut Howling Moon, their newest bottle, is perhaps the strongest yet. Melt your tongue off with deliciousness strong.
On the nose, Coconut Howling Moon starts off with aromas of citrus peel and tropical undertones. Hints of pineapple and faint mangoes begin the adventure, before notes peaches and orange preserves make an appearance. A base of caramel and crackers give just enough backbone to support the massive hoppage that went into this beer. The coconut is present from the start, beginning as a faint layer, and growing into a citrusy macaroon as the beer warms. The coconut brings about aromas of vanilla and cinnamon that may seem out of place in a massive IPA, but alongside the coconut, they are a perfect, and highly restrained, compliment. At the end of each breath, a dose of pine tips the balance back toward the hops, but the complexity remains, resonating with potent power just below your nose.
The taste is even more intense, starting off with a huge bitterness that sweeps across the mouth. Coupled with a noticeable 10% alcohol, you can feel this beer grip your tongue from the get-go. The initial flavor is a bitter amalgamation of orange pulp and kumquat peel, alongside grapefruit zest for added citrus punch. Peach notes make an appearance with each drink, before wet pine surges through. Once again, the coconut is noticeable from the start, adding body to each drink, as well as flavor that starts low key, but builds as you drink. The coconut brings about the same cinnamon and vanilla spices from the aroma, and when combined with the caramel/cracker base, creates a round, macaroon flavor, strangely yet deliciously reminiscent of horchata (with the potent booziness, it’s more like Rumchata). The coconut also helps to take the slightest edge off of the bitterness, which is good, because even with the creamy coconut vibes, this beer will melt your tongue.
Somehow, either by a blood sacrifice, or just stellar-fucking brewing, Wolf’s Ridge managed to make a beer that tastes like a tropical-citrus macaroon covered in pine needles, and made it come out delicious. Intimidating? Yes. Intense? Oh, hell yes. But these flavors won’t let you down. Even if you’re one of those who think coconut are the terrible remnants of the Old Gods, and refuse to taste anything even remotely coconutish, you’ll enjoy this beer. The complexity is amazing, the flavors are spot on, and the result is tasty as hell.
