Alesmith Oso Under West Coast IPA

Alesmith Oso Under West Coast-style IPA. With Aussie and New Zealand Hops. 

7% ABV, 65 IBU. Alesmith Brewing, San Diego, CA. Collaboration with Alvadado Street Brewing (Monterey, CA.)

A West Coast IPA from Alesmith? No brainer, there. But is it still a West Coast IPA using Aussie & New Zealand hops? Let's see.

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, small white head. 

In the nose: Stone fruit and citrus. Peach fuzz and orange peel. Nice, but quiet. 

In the mouth: Feeling a bit more on the palate, with a great blast of bitterness starting it out. There's a snappy citrusy spark that goes from bitter to sweet before turning dry. Notes of grapes, too, and a touch of tropical. 

Medium bodied, light, drinkable, refreshing. Quite tasty, and enjoyable. But, again, I have to ask if it's still a West Coast IPA if it doesn't use West Coast American hops. I guess it's close enough. I'm certainly not going to make a fuss over it. Except...well...sometimes marketing moves make for false advertising. I'm happy with it, but it's missing that overly bitter, extra citrusy thing that real West Coast IPAs have in spades. 

These California bears have gone down under! We partnered up with our buddies at Alvarado Street Brewery to make this bright and dry West Coast-style IPA featuring Galaxy, Vic Secret, and Nelson hops