Drake’s Brewing Aroma Coma India Pale Ale

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Drake’s Brewing Aroma Coma India Pale Ale. As I said in a previous post I’m a big fan of Drake’s Brewing. I had heard about Aroma Coma and knew I had to find some to drink (and review).

From the Drake’s Brewing website:” Brewed annually since 2009, this summer seasonal IPA is made each year for a local IPA festival, where, this year it was selected one of the top three beers in the competition. We start with almost all 2-row barley malt and a touch of Caramalt for body. Abundant Cascade, Chinook, CTZ and Citra hops lend citrus, pine and floral notes, and a double round of dry-hopping amps up the aroma to a new level. Breathe in the hops an enjoy.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours a hazy copper orange with a solid white head and nice lacing.

Aroma: Huge hop character. Citrus, tropical and pine hops really jump out…some floral hops as well. A very light malt profile in the background.

Taste: Fantastic! Strong hop character – primarily citrus (grapefruit), but also tropical fruits and pine. Slight bread sweetness, but malts are faint at best.

Overall: An outstanding beer! Aroma Coma is yet another incredible beer from Drake’s Brewing. At 6.75 % ABV this is a highly drinkable beer. Drake’s should consider brewing this offering year round.

If you are in the San Leandro area on Friday, October 7th stop by Drake’s First Friday (I’ll be working the event for my kid’s school). From Drake's Brewing website:“On the First Friday of every month, we here at Drake’s open our doors (or more accurately our outdoor lot) to friends, family and our local community to benefit a worthy local cause. With all of our beers on tap and a couple seasonals too, music on the speakers and great food from a local food truck or vendor cooking in the corner, the night takes on the vibe of a fantastic monthly block party with all our friends and neighbors. From old friends and family to Drake’s newbies, all are welcome to come and mingle outside and enjoy a favorite Drake’s beer. Major Bonus: all the fun benefits local schools and non-profits. Make sure you make it to our next First Friday for a great cause and a good time outside our brewery.

The next Drake’s First Friday is October 7, from 4 pm-8 pm, benefiting the the Assumption School in San Leandro”

Cheers!

Mark Harvey