Beer of the Week: Vacation Reminder
Athletic Brewing goes heavy on the hops with a N/A beer the way one would with an imperial IPA
Dry-hopping is the process of introducing hops during the fermentation process when the wort (unfermented beer) is cold and yeast are converting its sugars into alcohol. Unlike adding hops during the brewing process – also known as “the hot side” – when pretty much all that makes it into the finished beer is the ingredient’s inherent bitterness, dry-hopping allows hops’ aromatics and flavors to shine through. Such are the enhanced sensory qualities of dry-hopping that IPA lovers actively seek out beers that are double, triple or even quadruple dry-hopped, and breweries include that descriptor on the labels of their ales and lagers. (Sometimes it will be abbreviated, e.g.: DDH, TDH.) Often times, the larger the beer in terms of alcohol-content, the greater the dry-hop, but there are no steadfast rules. Take, for instance, this week’s featured beer, Vacation Reminder from Athletic Brewing. This IPA gets the triple-dry-hop (TDH) treatment even though it, like all of the Miramar company’s beers, is non-alcoholic. As a result, it brings forth a brilliant bouquet with lovely notes of guava, mango and passionfruit. That tropical fruit salad theme persists on the palate, where pineapple and honeydew melon join the party. Without the presence of alcohol and any perceived sweetness, these flavors are easy to pick up, identify and, most importantly, enjoy. Versatile as it is tasty, Vacation Reminder is a slam-dunk beverage for outdoorsy types, whether they be runners, hikers, bikers or laidback locals indulging in some pool-adjacent rest and relaxation.
Vacation Reminder was first released as an experimental pilot batch offering called Tucker’s Tropical Triple. After receiving a ton of positive feedback from our fans, we decided to give this brew the limited-time treatment it deserves. In addition to refreshed label art, it now has a name that truly epitomizes just how flavorful and refreshing this brew is. We incorporate three hop varieties at three different points in the brewing process, which gives Vacation Reminder a complex blend of tropical and fruity notes. It has an amazingly hoppy aroma and flavor profile. Drinkers may pick up notes of mango and guava, along with citrus, honey and stone fruit. We recommend pairing Vacation Reminder with any dish that will have you feeling like you’re on island time.”
Tyler Tucker, Brewery Supervisor, Athletic Brewing