Karl Strauss Makes Wine Enthusiast’s Top 25 List Again

an Diego, CA – Karl Strauss Brewing Company is honored that its Blackball Belgian IPA is one of 25 handpicked beers to make it onto Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 25 Beers of 2013 list.  This marks the third year in a row that Karl Strauss has made the prestigious national list and the second time that Blackball Belgian IPA gets top honors for its high quality and unmatched flavor profile.  According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, “these represent the most dynamic and exciting beers reviewed this year. They exhibit extraordinary craftsmanship, innovation and quality at prices that still represent affordable luxury.”

Karl Strauss was one of only two San Diego breweries to make this year’s list, landing at #15 on the countdown with a stellar 92/100.  The review says, “This subtle IPA shows great balance and nuance. A cloudy orange color in the glass, it leads with lively aromas of orange and grapefruit zest, yeast, pressed yellow flowers and a touch of white pepper. The palate offers similar notes, but with a fruity core of under-ripe peach and pineapple. It’s richly textured, with a full mouthfeel and light carbonation. The long, dry finish is accented by earthy hop and bready yeast flavors.”

Blackball Belgian IPA is part of the company’s bold, hoppy Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series. “This series showcases our hoppiest creations, from double IPAs to dry-hopped imperial pilsners. We’re all hopheads in the brewery and the Coastal Reserve Series is where we get to push the boundaries and really put hops front and center,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company.  Blackball is a Belgian-inspired IPA with a unique West Coast hop profile.  Coriander and curacao add a distinct citrus character, while a traditional Belgian yeast strain lends subtle notes of spice to the beer. A blend of New Zealand and Cascade hops add a bright, citrusy aroma and a hefty bitterness.  Blackball Belgian IPA is brewed sporadically and only available at specialty retailers throughout the year, making this small-batch beer hard to find, but worth the search.

The complete list of Top 25 reviews will be featured in this December’s issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.  Blackball Belgian IPA is available in limited quantities throughout the year in 22oz bottles and on draft.  For more information on Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series, visit www.karlstrauss.com.  Share it. Cheers.
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