Beer of the Week: Valley Fog
Sorrento Valley's New English Brewing is as much about the "new" as the "English"
From the Beer Writer: When coming upon the name New English Brewing in something like, say, San Diego Beer News’ always up-to-date list of local breweries, one would likely assume that business exhibits prowess in the production of English-style ales. And one would be correct. From the Sorrento Valley operation’s humble (and humbly legit) beginnings in 2007, co-owner and Brewmaster Simon Lacey has paid to-style homage to his cross-the-pond homeland care of expertly crafted bitters, browns, stouts and more. A collection of shiny medals and festival ribbons speak to the exemplary nature of those U.K.-inspired standouts, but New English is as much about the “new” as it is the “English”, achieving the same level of quality in its New-World stock as its Old-World classics. Over time, proof has been provided via a number of hoppy American offerings, including the all-Mosaic Hop Slapp’d pale ale, Pure & Simple West Coast IPA, Whole Lotta Hazy IPA and, now, this week’s featured beer, Valley Fog Hazy Double IPA. This next step in a logical progression takes inspiration from New England IPA brewers, incorporating increased opaqueness and alcoholic oomph. Mosaic and Aloha hops lend a layered bouquet of tropical-fruit aromas, while mango, pineapple and a touch of citrus prevail on the palate. It’s the type of new offering that will get beer fans—particularly hop-heads—excited about what’s to come from a brewery that, even after 15 years of steady navigation and keeping its country of origin squarely in its sights, continues to explore uncharted territory.
From the Brewer: “We’ve brewed a variety of double IPAs in the past, but wanted to create a smoother, more approachable style this time. So we decided to give the hazy DIPA another go, opting for a combination of Aloha and Mosaic hops in this recipe. While the beer was fermenting, we pondered what to name it, but the name just came to us one morning as we drove in to work through swirls of fog wafting in from the lagoon by Torrey Pines Beach. That’s when we decided to call it ‘Valley Fog’. When the beer was finally ready and we tasted it, we were pleased that our aim for a more approachable DIPA was realized. The fruity aromas and smooth, creamy texture can make for deceptively easy drinking, but the Valley Fog comes in at 8.5% ABV (alcohol-by-volume), so drink with care!”—Simon Lacey, Co-owner & Brewmaster, New English Brewing