Beer of the Week: Slammin SD

From the Beer Writer: Even if I prefer clear IPAs, I have always appreciated hazy IPA. Minimizing bitterness (if not eliminating it altogether) and maximizing hop aroma while incorporating fruit-forward hop varietals has provided a kinder, gentler hoppy beer for drinkers scared off by classic, lupulin-laced IPAs. More people enjoying craft beer is a good thing, and, personally, I have really enjoyed being able to pick up on the nuances of hops care of hazy IPAs, especially in a day and age where so many new and exciting varietals are being developed. The thing is, because of the style’s full-bodied texture and fillingness, I typically can’t drink one, much less several hazies. Plus, I miss the balance and dryness that comes from the bittering process employed with West Coast IPAs. I guess I’m one of those….I want it all. So does the brewer responsible for this week’s featured beer, Slammin SD from Kearny Mesa’s Hopnonymous Brewing. Rolled out on draft and in cans sporting a City Connect color scheme for Padres season, this hybrid presents the best of both IPA worlds. Today’s most popular hop varietals–Strata, Mosaic, Citra–are presented in an opaque package that’s far from unfiltered but still several a few states removed from New England. Those hops combine to emit bright aromas reminiscent of tangerine, peach, papaya and apricot. A juicy, pulpy Satsuma oranginess takes the lead on the palate, followed by bitterness that comes across as light citrus pithiness versus a dank onslaught of pine and pot. It’s just enough of a counterpoint to refresh one’s palate for the next sip. Hopnonymous has had trouble keeping this beer in stock as it’s proven a popular beverage on Padres game days. On the plus side, that means whenever it’s on, it’s sure to be incredibly fresh!

From the Brewer: “Being a brewer in San Diego, I have brewed and drank a lot of hazy IPAs over the years. After a while I was feeling burnt out on the style. I love the aroma and flavor of hazy IPAs, but I wanted something with the body of a West Coast. This is where I got the idea to blend aspects of both styles to create Slammin SD. Bringing the best of both worlds together has been a smash hit at the brewery. Layered with Strata, Citra and Mosaic hops throughout the brewing process, this beer has a delicious sweet blueberry, tropical-fruit and stone-fruit finish. Hopefully it will be possible to enjoy this beer inside Petco one day.”—Hunter Mannix, Head Brewer, Hopnonymous Brewing