Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights Rainier PCT IPA

If you peek into my refrigerator on any given weekend, you’ll find more IPAs than food…and while that may be a bit exaggerated, I do buy more hoppy IPAs and DIPAs than any other style.  I also go out of my way when we travel to buy IPAs & DIPAs that we don’t get to see in our markets.  It’s a style I really love and I style I love to explore, so I can’t wait to try out this IPA that just arrived from the Pacific Northwest.

Today I’m excited to sample a new IPA coming to my ‘fridge all the way from Seattle, WA.  The brewery is historic, dating back to 1878 and it is a well-known and well-loved brand in the Pacific Northwest.  I’m talking about Rainier and today we’re specifically talking about their new year-round Rainier PCT IPA.

Before we get to the beer, we should point out that PCT stands for the Pacific Crest Trail and the beer will help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PCT by donating 25-cents per case (up to $10,000) to support the trail.  I should also point out that I love hiking almost as much as IPAs, so this sampling has win-win written all over it…so off we go.

Rainier PCT IPA pours a deep golden color with aromas of citrus and tropical fruit.  We found some pleasant grassy aromas and we really enjoyed how hop-forward this beer tastes right from the first sip.  PCT IPA is brewed with El Dorado, Azacca and Comet hops and the combination makes for a really enjoyable and drinkable (but hoppy) beer.  The mouthfeel of PCT IPA is light and refreshing and we were surprised that this beer actually hits a very sessionable 4.5%-AbV.  Don’t let the AbV fool you, PCT IPA also clocks in at 45 IBU so it is hoppy, refreshing and satisfying.

Overall we really think PCT IPA is not only a drinkable and enjoyable session IPA, but also a really likeable IPA that just happens to have a lower AbV.  It’s also a nice bonus that the sales of this beer support the Pacific Coast Trail so be sure to check out the trail AND the beer.  Rainier PCT IPA is available now in Aug and year-round in six-packs of 12oz cans, so get out there and try this one for yourself….and when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.

PS We’re also open to Pacific Coast Trail hiking recommendations!