Highland Brewing IPA – A First Sampling

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a package waiting for me from Highland Brewing-Santa.  Today I was excited to find that Santa had delivered the new Highland IPA, and since it was already pre-chilled on our front porch, we went right to sampling.

Highland IPA will be a year-round release beginning on Jan 4th (with a New Years Eve debut at the brewery) and it will be one of three new year-round brews joining Pilsner Blanc and Mandarina, IPA.   The full details and the 2016 Highland Brewing release calendar are here. 

Highland IPA is a west-coast-style IPA that will use CItra, Chinook and Centennial hops from the Pacific Northwest.  The hops are balanced by 2-Row Base Malt, Victory and Caramel 20 malts and the key word here is “balance.”

Highland IPA pours a light golden color with plenty of citrus and lemon in the nose.  The flavor begins with citrus and tropical fruits and ends with a resinous hoppy almost dry and pleasant bite.  I thought the hops became more prominent as the beer warmed a bit, but it was really well balanced and really drinkable even a bit cool.

Highland IPA will hit 64 IBU and 7%-AbV, so while it is very drinkable, it will sneak up on you.  This is a really nice IPA and the citrusy dry finish only makes you want more (and more).  Highland IPA will be available in 12oz bottles and on draft so be sure to try this one for yourself and as always…let us know what YOU think.

Thank you and Happy Holiday to everyone at Highland Brewing.