Beer of the Week: Down to Hop

From the Beer Writer: The concept of beer on the beach is something San Diegans bid farewell long ago when it became illegal, but beer by the beach is still fair game. That includes beers produced by the brewpubs dotting the Pacific’s shoreline from Coronado to Oceanside. Pacific Beach AleHouse (PBAH) is among that contingent. With its double-decker setup and quality beers from ex-Ballast Pointer Dan Enjem, it’s worth a visit when heeding the call of crashing waves. Many of PBAH’s beers are fashioned to pair nicely with a sunny day, but as any hop-head who has attempted to down several IPAs amid summer conditions knows, they tend to be a tad too bold and bitter. That, however, is not the case this week’s featured beer: Down to Hop IPA. PBAH’s flagship 7% alcohol-by-volume West Coast IPA boasts a vibrant flavor profile that feels new on the taste buds with each sip, starting out orangey and slightly dank before giving off a hint of grapefruit rind followed by a long, juicy tangerine-like finish. PB may be the PBR capital of San Diego, but PBAH’s IPA is well worth eschewing such macro-beer offerings in favor of something better and homegrown.

From the Brewer: “With a very neutral grain bill of 97% domestic Pilsner malt and a bit of wheat for head retention, Down to Hop IPA is a showcase for hops. It gets a four-pounds-per-barrel dry-hop of Cascade, Simcoe and Mandarina Bavaria, which gives it an intense tropical and citrus character. The best description I can give it is ‘tropical tangerine’. It’s one of my personal favorite beers I brew. Who doesn’t want a nice IPA on a sunny day at the beach!”—Dan Enjem, Head Brewer, Pacific Beach AleHouse