Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights New Belgium Voodoo Ranger 1985 IPA (Review)

I should admit up front that just over a year ago, I found my way into the Asheville, NC tasting room of New Belgium Brewing.  From my first visit to their Denver Airport facility many years ago to this Asheville visit, I’ve always had a special place in my craft beer-heart for New Belgium

I’ve been lucky enough to sample pretty much every beer coming out of the Voodoo Ranger family of hoppy beers from New Belgium, and I’m excited for my streak to continue with an early peek at this one. The beer is called Voodoo Ranger 1985 IPA and it is an IPA with mango flavor and spice. I should mention up front that this new retro can is not only one of my favorite Voodoo Ranger packages, but also one I think will actually stand out much better in the beer cooler than some of it’s predecessors.  I should also mention the cool promotional tin lunch box (see photos) that New Belgium sent inviting us all to “Go Back To The Future Of Hazy IPAs”.”

This latest release in the series marks the 40% increase in the Voodoo Ranger portfolio over last year and the fact that it is now New Belgium’s 5th best selling brand. 1985 IPA beer uses Citra, Simcoe and Cascade hops as well as mango and it literally screams fruit-forward. Of course it helps that I really enjoy mango IPAs and hazy IPAs, so off we go.

New Belgium Brewing Voodoo Ranger 1985 IPA

ABV:  6.7%
IBU: 30
Style:  Hazy IPA
Packaging:  12oz cans & kegs
Appearance:  Hazy orange golden
Aroma:   Citrus, mango & pineapple
Mouthfeel:   Medium with clean finish
Taste:   Slightly sweet up front with prominent mango, canned pineapple and a moderate bitter but slightly sweet finish.
Overall:  Voodoo Ranger 1985 is a really nice mix of a fruit-forward hazy almost-NEIPA-style beer and a classic New Belgium Voodoo imperial IPA.  The overall balance leans toward hoppy and fruity and the beer finishes clean and it is very drinkable.

New Belgium Voodoo Ranger 1985 is available now in 12oz cans (and kegs), so get out there and grab one of these righteous dudes (and yes you should drink it as well)…and when you DO try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.