Beer of the Week: Quit Playin’ Games with My Hops

Back when I was in the beer industry, the brewmaster at one of the companies I worked for likened portfolio development to the classic Americana tune, “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”, telling me, “If you’re gonna brew in San Diego, you gotta have a West Coast IPA.” And not just any IPA. In a town heralded for the immaculate nature of its extra-dry, abundantly aromatic India pale ales, said IPA had to be really, really good. As a veteran brewer who’s been plying his trade at San Marcos’ Dos Desperados Brewery for the past eight years, Hayden Weir knew he’d need a quality IPA when devising the game plan for his recently opened family business, Weir Beer Co. But in all honesty, he placed the task of producing one high on his to-do list as much for himself as his future customers. A fan of the style, he really wanted to be able to knock after a long day of work at his Vista digs by indulging in a potently hoppy, highly drinkable West Coast IPA. So, he leaned on lessons learned and knowledge gained crafting hop-bombs for his previous employer, picked out some of his favorite hop varietals and went to work. The result is this week’s featured beer, Quit Playin’ Games with My Hops. With a name in keeping with Weir Beer’s penchant for the ‘90s, this IPA smells of tangerine, peach and sandalwood. Those citrus and stone-fruit qualities follow through on the palate along with a touch of pineapple and papaya, making for a well-rounded, easy-drinking IPA, even at 7.2% alcohol-by-volume. In addition to providing Weir the thirst-quenching shifter he set out to make, Quit Playin’ Games with My Hops has fast become the company’s best-selling beer, helping to make a name for the rookie operation, which is faring well one-and-a-half months since opening its doors. I guess there was something to that nugget doled out by my old work colleague. Cue the Alabama!

Quit Playin’ Games with My Hops was our first batch of finished beer. Because of this, it has a special place in my heart. I decided to use some of my favorite hops for our inaugural West Coast IPA. Mosaic and Motueka are my go-to varietals. I also added McKenzie hops, a lesser known varietal from Yakima Valley Hops that adds great citrus and sweet-fruit character. Additionally, I added HopShot hop oil to the brite tank to add an extra pop of aroma everyone hopes for when they order a West Coast IPA. This has become our best-selling beer overall and I couldn’t be more proud of it. Batch number two will be tapped Saturday, December 7!”

Hayden Weir, Co-founder & Head Brewer, Weir Beer Co.

Weir Beer is located at 1250 Keystone Way in Vista