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Beer Reviews

Wild Ride India Pale Ale

Sand Creek Brewing Co.
Black River Falls, WI
USA
http://www.sandcreekbrewing.com

Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
ABV: 6.0%

Nigel’s Rating:
   (Recommended)


Comments:
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when I picked up my 6 pack of Sand Creek's take on the greatest byproduct of the British Empire, India Pale Ale. I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur of the style and more often that not I've very been disappointed by the offerings provided by many Midwestern micros. For every Founders and Tyranena, both of whom have mastered the art of IPA, there's a New Holland and Sprecher, both fine breweries who failed miserably in their attempts. Knowing little about Sand Creek's products, I somewhat reluctantly indulged in a brew the package proclaimed would be a "Wild Ride". While that may be a bit overstated, I must say overall I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this brew.

The pour was exactly what you'd expect from an IPA--light head, golden brown hue, and plenty of bubbles dancing in the glass long after the head dissipated. The aroma was also typical--strong hoppy goodness, with slight hints of citrus. The taste was--say it with me--exactly what you'd expect from a quality IPA. The hop flavor was very strong, but not overpowering, and was well balanced with mild malt and citrus flavors. The aftertaste was strong but not intolerable. While Sand Creek's version definitely lacks any unique characteristics that would place it in the upper echelon of craft IPA's, it is nonetheless a very solid brew, one that homebrewers and craft brew drinkers alike could use as an example of what this fine beer style should taste like.

Reviewed by Nigel Tanner on November 14, 2006.

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