This might be the first time I’ve reviewed a beer that comes out of Milwaukee. That seems strange to me, since when I think of beer, Milwaukee is one of the places that comes to my mind immediately. They have such a rich history in the realm of brewing, it’s hard to believe that nothing coming out of that city has really caught my attention.
But this week it happened, when I met a local sales rep for Lakefront Brewery at a tasting. I sampled a couple of their brews and found that Lakefront’s IPA is right up my alley. I was more than a little surprised that it took me this long for me to find it.
Here’s what the brewer has to say: “Pours a hazy orange with a rocky white head that lasts, and leaves soft lace on your glass as you sip this refreshing beer. American Cascade and Chinook hops dominate the aroma, yielding a citrusy, floral bouquet. The hops give a nice bitter bite to the flavor, but this beer is surprisingly well balanced with a full body and smooth malty flavor to back up the hops. It finishes smooth and crisp with a lingering hop flavor reminiscent of fresh ruby red grapefruit.
Goes well with any spicy food, historically Indian food as well as Thai, Cajun, or Mexican. Try our IPA with Buffalo wings, blackened chicken or pepperoni pizza. Beef dishes or fried seafood can stand up to the hops as well. Ideal Serving Temp: 54-56° F “
Normally, this is where I put a description of what the beer looks like. Since they did it for me, I don’t have to! The above description hit the nail right on the head (head…get it? Ha!).
The description is right on the money, too. There’s not much I can add to any of that. I will say (like I always do about the beers I seem to enjoy most), that this is a VERY well balanced and smooth IPA. I’ve enjoyed it while grilling on a hot day and then as a nice compliment to just about anything I’ve cooked. The hops are ever-present, but not at all overbearing. While they do dominate the flavor, they don’t do so in an overpowering way. The malty flavor rides the tongue along with the hops and keeps the bitterness at bay.
This is definitely one of the smoothest IPA’s I’ve had to date. Nice flavor, goes down easy and very refreshing. And it isn’t too boozy, either. It comes in at 6.9%, but drinks like something much lighter than that. It hit the mark for price, too. $9.99 for the six, worth every penny.
I’m going to give this one a 7 out of 10 and advise you to pick up a 6 pack when you see it!
