Bear Republic Brewing Company Racer X Double IPA

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

Tonight’s featured beer is Bear Republic Brewing Company Racer X Double IPA. Although this is another seasonal release (October) I felt the need to get this review posted.

I was recently visiting the new Cars Land at California Adventure (Disneyland) and was thrilled to see Bear Republic Brewing Company beers at Flo's V8 Café (Racer 5 and Red Rocket Rocket Ale). Needless to say I had a few pints of Racer 5 while I was there.

From the Bear Republic Brewing Company website:” Racer X™ is an uncommon Double India Pale Ale which puts a California twist on English brewing traditions by adding an assertive hop aroma and bitterness that compliments the firm malt backbone. Like its little brother Racer 5, Racer X™ is balance in a bottle.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours a golden copper color with a large off-white head and sticky lacing.

Aroma: Huge hop aroma as is to be expected with a fine DIPA.  Pine, citrus and tropical hop notes.

Taste: Floral hops up front with pine and citrus hops close behind.  Nice malt balance – not overwhelming to allow the hops to take center stage. Incredible balance!

Overall: Since I’m a huge fan of Bear Republic Brewing Company it was no surprise that I enjoyed Racer X Double IPA.  This is everything a DIPA should be.  At 8.3% ABV you may not get to your second 22 oz. bottle, but I guess that depends on you.  Find it when it is out.  It is fantastic!

Cheers!

Mark Harvey