As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Driftwood's Fat Tug IPA is a true masterpiece when it comes to Canadian IPAs. This beer is crafted with the hop aficionado in mind, and the hop selection used in this brew is truly exceptional.
Fat Tug IPA boasts a complex hop profile, with a combination of five different hop varieties. These hops work together harmoniously to create a beer that is bursting with intense hop flavors and aromas. Let's dive into the specific hop varieties used in Fat Tug IPA:
1. Cascade: Cascade hops are a classic American hop variety known for their floral, citrusy, and spicy characteristics. They contribute to the overall aroma and flavor profile of the beer, adding a touch of grapefruit and floral notes.
2. Columbus: Columbus hops, also known as Tomahawk or Zeus hops, are a high-alpha hop variety with a strong, resinous character. They are often used for bittering, but in Fat Tug IPA, they bring a slightly dank and earthy flavor to the beer.
3. Centennial: Centennial hops are another American hop variety that is well-regarded for its versatility. They are known for their citrusy, floral, and slightly spicy qualities. In Fat Tug IPA, Centennial hops add a burst of citrus flavors, such as grapefruit and lemon, enhancing the overall hop profile.
4. Amarillo: Amarillo hops are highly sought after for their unique aroma and flavor profile. They are known for their intense citrusy and floral characteristics, with hints of orange, tangerine, and peach. Amarillo hops in Fat Tug IPA contribute to the beer's tropical fruit notes, adding flavors of mango and melon.
5. Citra: Citra hops are a relatively new hop variety that has gained immense popularity among craft brewers. They are celebrated for their intense tropical fruit flavors and aromas, with notes of grapefruit, passionfruit, and lychee. In Fat Tug IPA, Citra hops play a significant role in providing those vibrant fruit flavors, especially passionfruit.
The combination of these five hop varieties creates a truly unforgettable experience for hop lovers. The beer showcases a delightful balance between citrusy, floral, and tropical fruit flavors, with each hop variety contributing its own unique characteristics.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying Fat Tug IPA on multiple occasions, and each time, I am amazed by the depth and complexity of the hop flavors. The grapefruit notes hit my palate first, followed by a wave of tropical fruit flavors like mango and passionfruit. The beer finishes with a slightly resinous and bitter kick, thanks to the Columbus hops.
Fat Tug IPA is a perfect example of how the right combination of hops can create a truly exceptional beer. It showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Driftwood Brewery puts into their brewing process. Whether you're a hop enthusiast or simply someone looking to explore the world of IPAs, Fat Tug IPA is a must-try.