While off to LA for Jersey Week. I sought out libations and found a Sierra Nevada “Snowpack” at the local Target. In the Sierra Nevada “Snowpack”, you get their India Pale Ale, their Boomerang IPA, their Porter, and the Coffee Stout. Since I’m a big fan of stouts and porters, this sampler was right in my wheelhouse. I also enjoy the India Pale Ales (as does my better half), and while I hadn’t had the Boomerang, I thought that as a “thrown-in” in the case, I wouldn’t be disappointed. Sadly, the Boomerang was enjoyed late at night in the corner of my hotel room by the sink out of a plastic cup while my better half and the urchins were snoozing away. Hopefully, the environs and the lack of appropriate glassware will not impact my review.
What they say…
Certain regions produce hops whose flavors are simply unlike any others. This is the case for many of the hops coming out of the Southern Hemisphere—specifically, those from Australia where the hops are famous for their floral character and enticing fruit-forward aromas. These one-of-a-kind hops were the inspiration for Boomerang, a “Yankee-Aussie” IPA featuring the light malt body of an American IPA blended with the robust flavors of Southern Hemisphere hops.
I found the Boomerang IPA to have the following characteristics…
- Appearance: Golden with lots of fluffy white foam.
- Aroma: Not overly hoppy or citrusy; a little muted (might be the plastic cup).
- Taste: Sweet, barely any of that grapefruit tartness and almost no bitterness.
- ABV: 6.7%
I was left wondering if this was truly an IPA, let alone a West Coast IPA. The great balance and high level of flavor without the all too familiar bitterness threw me a bit. I guess this is the Winter IPA; just enough to keep it interesting without all of the hoppy tang of Summer. Easy drinking and not overpowering, the Boomerang IPA wasn’t what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised.
