Introduction

When Patrick Rue founded The Bruery over a decade ago, he vowed never to brew an IPA. But the style became savagely popular, and the brewing crew knew they could make a top-notch entry (or perhaps many....) The beers of Offshoot are fresh, juicy, and almost entirely based around IPAs (with the occasional experiment thrown in the mix.) All of them are designed around the hop-forward idea and the quality expected in California’s craft beer game these days. They’ve produced over 30 different varieties, available in six pack form and are beginning to be available wherever your mouth happens to be. The Coast (charmingly sub-titled as “an anytime hazy Pale Ale”) is a pale ale based on the American style which tends to lean heavily on the hop character, and with the amount of varied hops in this beer, it makes sense. Serves well at 8°C and should be enjoyed right away.

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How it looks

Pours a light golden colour with a hazy body and low carbonation. A thin ring of tiny, white bubbles clings to the edge of the glass.

How it smells

Big hits of tropical fruit flavour, with pineapple and mango jumping out of the aroma. A slightly pine resin-like hop aroma and a salty sea air.

How it tastes

A bold combination of the tropical fruit and the bitter, green leaf flavours up front. The fruit is strong but the flavours are muddled, making it tough to pick out any particular fruit. The hop opens up as it warms on the tongue and brings a touch more of a flowery taste. The whole experience is lightning fast, leaving behind a slightly dry mouthfeel and citrus zest aftertaste.

Recommended food pairing

This is an IPA but it’s lean on the bitterness, so something with some heat would be tasty but not too much heat. Marinate flank-steak in some sriracha and sweet chili for a sweet-heat kick.