Image Credit: Southern Tier
New York City Football Club and beer. Two subjects that might not seem like they are compatible. Given that one of their players has a winery it would seem like the club might just enjoy the grapes as opposed to the barley and hops. But it is New York City and until Yankee Stadium opens up a wine bar chances are City supporters will still be enjoying beer in the stands.
With that in mind let’s look at Southern Tier Brewery and their Right-O-Way India Pale Ale. This beer comes to us actually from a variety pack of four different types of beers from the Lakewood Brewery. By the way, whomever invented the variety pack of beers deserves a Nobel Prize. What a fantastic way to try different beers and learn about different companies. Even the terrible Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat has its moments.
Southern Tier’s history is what makes it such a compelling drink and a great choice for this week’s beer. The company dates back to 2002 when founders Phineas DeMink and Allen Yahn took over a business park in Lakewood and started a modest microbrewery. The company has since moved into a 45,000 square foot warehouse a sign of the companies growing business.
Although the company makes a wide array of beers, Southern Tier’s bread and butter is in the India Pale Ales. The company makes a wide variety of IPAs and likes to play with different types of hops for seasonal beers.
That is certainly the case with the Right O Way IPA which tastes very much like a spring or summer beer. The Right Way O IPA contains three different of hops which is interesting because it is not very hoppy or at least in the way we conventionally think about hops. Normally hops are considered to be rather bitter. But the Right Way is very light and refreshing and has almost a sweet-citriusy flavor to it. It has all of the makings of a great English-style IPA.
Another interesting facet to this beer is its color. When you pour it into a glass it has a rich, amber color to it. Again considering how light it is (4.7 Alcohol By Volume percentage) that is pretty fascinating because it is not a color that you would normally associate with a beer of this flavor. That is good news for anyone who can bring it into the stadium as darker beers generally last longer in the warm sun.
Given the likelihood that D.C. will have their hands full against a pissed off David Villa United supporters may need more than one beer. The Right-O-Way IPA is strong enough that is no push-over but will certainly be refreshing from the first pour to the last sip.
DC United
