Captain Lawrence Hopsomniac Cold Brew IPA Returns

Captain Lawrence is bringing back Hopsomniac IPA, its innovative ale infused with cold- brewed Stumptown Coffee and dry hopped with Sorachi Ace hops. The funky beer was last seen around these parts two years ago; the Hopsomniac ships in February and will be draft only. 

Scott Vaccaro, Captain Lawrence founder, describes the Hopsomniac as a pivot from the many India Pale Ales on the market. “It’s for the IPA drinker who may be looking for something more than a run of the mill, hoppy IPA,” he says. “They may like something with a twist.”

For those who delight in those big hoppy brews, Captain Lawrence dedicated its fourth 16-ounce can release to the non trademarked, workmanlike hops that flavor so many of our beers. It’s the fittingly titled Public Domain, and the limited release moved fast. 

“We all love the sexy new varieties of hops, but this time we paid a little love to the usual suspects,” says Scott. 

On the other end of the flavor spectrum is the corked and caged Barrel Select Green, dry hopped with El Dorado and Denali hops. It’s a sour ale, but as far as sours go, it’s easy on the tongue Scott says, the Barrel Select Green is low on the “titratable acidity” scale—an accessible sour for those who may be just becoming familiar with the tart and funky brews. 

Speaking of select barrels, Captain Lawrence took part in a memorable exchange with Jameson Whiskey of Ireland, the pair partnering on the big and bold Transatlantic Red, aged in Jameson barrels. This time around, Jameson puts out a whiskey aged in barrels that spent time in operation at Captain Lawrence. It’s a limited batch of whiskey, around 250 cases. Scott got a peek—and a wee taste—over in Ireland last year.

The barrels “add another level of depth and complexity,” he says. “Using them multiple times definitely coaxes extra flavors out of them.”