Beer of the Week: Acid Drops

The world of hops used to be so simple: a finite assortment of varietals available as pellets or, come harvest time, in whole-cone form. Oh, how times have changed…and for the better. Nowadays, beer-industry purveyors are taking the fresh hops they get from their farming partners and, in addition to pelletizing them, they’re experimenting to create a vast array of hop products, many of which not only add pop to finished beers but also increase brewhouse efficiency. The names of these innovations – Hyperboost, Dynaboost, Euphorics, SubZero Hop Kief – are freely bandied about by brewers, but the average beer-drinker has no idea what these products actually are. So, in discussing this week’s featured beer, Acid Drops, we’re going to get into an ingredient so central to this IPAs makeup that Coronado Brewing chose to include it onto the label: Cryo Hops. To the naked eye, Cryo Hops (a product developed by Yakima Chief Hops and launched in 2017) look like any other hop pellets, but prior to being turned into something that could pass for rabbit food, the hops comprising them are subjected to extremely low temperatures in a nitrogen-rich environment where they are then separated into two components: concentrated lupulin and bract. This results in pellets that not only offer more intense hop flavors and aromas, but do not introduce grassy, garlicky, oniony or otherwise undesired characteristics. After tasting Acid Drops, it seems those Cryo Hops came through on their stated mission with flying colors. This limited-edition IPA is devoid of earthy or vegetal aromas. To the contrary, it offers a vibrant, alluring bouquet, rife with notes of tangerine, key lime and cherry Life Savers. On the taste buds, I get tangelo, lemon candy and red berries. These sensory characteristics are bright and unimpeded, illustrating why this line of hops has risen to such prominence over the past eight years.

If you’re into bold, hoppy beers that don’t mess around, Acid Drops is one to check out. Part of our Chasin’ Waves Series, this West Coast IPA is Cryo-hopped and ready to party. It pours a bright straw-gold color and hits you right away with big citrus vibes, juicy melon and just the right amount of dank tropical funk. The Cryo hops really crank things up—this one smells amazing and tastes even better. You get that classic West Coast bitterness, but it’s sharp in a good way, finishing nice and dry without hanging around too long. The body is light and crisp, thanks to a mix of 2-row malt, wheat and oats. It’s super drinkable but still packs a flavorful punch. Basically, it’s a hoppy, aromatic IPA that knows how to have fun without going overboard.”

Rick Chapman, Co-founder, Coronado Brewing

Coronado Brewing’s brewery and taproom is located at 1205 Knoxville Street in Bay Park, and its brewpub is located at 170 Orange Avenue in Coronado