Lost Coast Brewery Indica India Pale Ale

Humboldt Bay, Eureka, California, USA

The annual Great Canadian Beer Festival takes over Victoria this week, easily one of this continent’s must attend beer events. This year over 45 craft breweries from across Canada, Belgium and the Pacific Northwest will share their wares with more than 7000 happy people. This will be my first time attending the event (!) and I’m pretty stoked, seeing as my regular tasting events are all about the vino. If you’re not one of my lucky ticket holding compatriots, sorry – you’re out of luck. Tickets for the 2-day affair sold out in MINUTES.

I’ve seen Lost Coast Brewery in a few places in my travels, and finally had the chance to get my hands on some recently via Cook St. Liquor Store. Though not a common name here, Lost Coast is one of the top 50 largest breweries stateside, started in 1986 by Barbara Groom and Wendy Pound (and will be at this year’s GCBF, pouring this as part of their lineup).  Originally headquartered in the 100 year old Pythian Castle, in Eureka, California, the brewery had to move to larger digs to support its 30,000+ barrel/year output.

English-style ales, with a west coast flare, this IPA is packed with Columbus, Willamette and Centennial hops. Grapefruit and tangerine aromas are amped with a hit of pine and a whiff of floral. The citrus carries through to the palate, along with toast, grass and sweet malt and a pleasing spice and bitter finish.  A wee milder than I was expecting, so pick up when you’re seeking your IPA subdued rather than shouting.

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