Discovering modern craft beers is like unearthing hidden gems. A rising star among these is the Modern Times Beer's Spruce Tips Hazy IPA. This unique beer, brewed by the creative minds at Modern Times, combines traditional brewing techniques with an innovative, botanical twist.
The Spruce Tips Hazy IPA is not just a beer; it's an odyssey of flavors that transcends the ordinary. With its vivid aroma and crystal-clear, hoppy taste, it's quickly becoming a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Unveiling the Spruce Tips Haze
The Hazy IPA style, with its dense, cloudy appearance, is a departure from traditional IPAs. Modern Times' take on this style is unique, introducing an unexpected ingredient - fresh spruce tips.
Spruce tips, the tender needles of the spruce tree, add a distinctive, forest-floor aroma and a subtle, piney flavor that complements rather than overpowers the hops.
Hops: The Stars of the Show
The backbone of the Spruce Tips Hazy IPA is its hop profile. Modern Times selected a blend of American hops - Simcoe, Citra, and Columbus - for their robust, citrusy, and piney notes. These hops interplay beautifully with the spruce tips, creating a harmonious symphony of flavor.
But the hops' journey from aroma to taste doesn't stop there. The beermakers at Modern Times use a novel technique called 'hop bursting,' where they add a massive amount of hops at the end of the boil. This results in intense, vibrant hop flavors without the harsh bitterness typically associated with IPAs.
Malts: The Unsung Heroes
While hops take the spotlight, the malts in the Spruce Tips Hazy IPA serve as the supporting cast, providing balance and depth. A blend of predominantly pale malts, with a touch of flaked oats, offers a crisp, clean base. This allows the hops and spruce tips to shine without being overwhelmed by any dominant malt flavors.
The result is a beer that's full-bodied yet refreshing, with a smooth finish that leaves you craving another sip.
Modern Times' Brewing Philosophy
Modern Times Beer is a San Diego-based brewery known for its progressive approach to crafting unique, flavorful beers. Their experimental nature is encapsulated in the Spruce Tips Hazy IPA - a beer that challenges traditional perceptions.
In an interview, Jacob Mc-kean, the founder and CEO of Modern Times, explained their philosophy: "We're just trying to make beers that we would be excited to drink. Beers that are unique, interesting, and maybe even challenging."
Sustainability and Innovation
Modern Times' commitment to sustainability also sets them apart. They use solar power to fuel their brewing process and strive for zero waste. Their innovative spirit extends beyond beer, with projects like their own coffee roastery and renovated brewing facilities.
The Spruce Tips Hazy IPA is more than just a beer; it's a testament to Modern Times' dedication to pushing boundaries and creating exceptional craft beers.
Try it, Love it, Repeat
The Spruce Tips Hazy IPA is a beer that deserves a place in any craft beer lover's rotation. It's a testament to how bold innovation can be delightfully rewarding. If you haven't tried it yet, get your hands on a can or draft pour. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
And who knows? You might just find yourself craving that first sip again, eager to dive back into the forest floor aromas and piney, citrusy goodness that is the Spruce Tips Hazy IPA.
So, go ahead, raise a glass, and explore the modern age of craft beer. Cheers!