Family India Pale Ale
Country USA (CA) ABV 7.0%
Price $$$$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 22oz/650ml bottle
Characteristics Bitter, hoppy

Overview The California Republic, or “Bear Flag Republic,” was an attempt at secession by the people of Sonoma in the mid-19th century. There’s something about northern California that has inspired many attempts to form a separate state. As long as we can still import their beer, we don’t mind.

Flavors and aromas The dominant note in the nose is pine, with some sweetness. There’s good mouthfeel, with nice carbonation, moderate flavor hops, and pronounced but still soft bitterness. The Racer 5 is lean and restrained for an IPA, but it doesn’t lack for character. It’s good for drinkers who like solid bitterness but are put off by the over-the-top West Coast hop character of many IPAs.