Southern Tier Brewing Co. - "Battle in Four Dimensions" DIPA

Lakewood, NY-based Southern Tier Brewing Co. is really branching out these days. Although they are probably best known for their fall seasonal "Pumking" and their Blackwater series of dessert beers (including the "Warlock" and the "Creme Brulee") it seems in recent years their line has expanded significantly to include a variety of IPAs, lighter lagers, and some experimental stuff. Today's beer is one such experiment: a 8.50% ABV unfiltered double IPA made with Amarillo hops and - in an interesting twist - beet juice. It's part of their "Science is the Art" collection - a six-part series of experimental beers featuring label art by artist Christopher Balaskas. I really like the mid-80s retrofuturism!

I guess I don't know what to expect - obviously I've had beets, and have had Amarillo hops before (typically they impart a flowery, citrus flavor with moderate bitterness) but in tandem? Who knows. Let's find out.

Wow, look at that color! The can lists it as "supernova red" and they weren't kidding.

There's a lively aroma, for sure - bright and slightly sweet but hard to place. Strawberries?

This beer is bright and a bit sweet, with the beet juice adding a vegetal, resinous quality. It definitely tastes different than other IPAs. The Amarillo hops are a nice touch, and add a slight tang which is most noticeable on the aftertaste. Overall not a lot of hop bitterness. The alcohol is well-hidden, too - the beer is refreshing, and frankly, lighter than I was expecting. Or at least tastes lighter. There's a slight tingle at the end, with a finish of sweet wine, like a sangria.

Most striking is the beet juice flavor. It's definitely noticeable and adds an interesting dimension to what would be just another IPA. It's sort of like a sour, without the sourness...a medium-light bodied beer with a somewhat fruity, vegetal quality. They're out of stock now, but D'vines sold them as both single pint cans and four-packs; this one was $3.99 for a single. So not bad and definitely worth a try. I'm curious to see what's next in this series - you'll notice on the can, in small print, it says "Episode Five of Six." I wonder what the final edition will be!