Review: Wanderlust IPA, Breakside Brewing

Light bodied with piney hops, a citrus aroma, and crisp, dry finish

Beer: Wanderlust IPA

Brewery: Breakside Brewery, Portland, Oregon

Type: American-style India Pale Ale

Flavor: Light bodied with piney hops, a citrus aroma, and crisp, dry finish

Price and Availability:
$6.99 for 22 ounce bottle at Walgreens, Safeway, and other fine retailers

$114.99 for 5 gallon keg at BevMo

Suggested Glass: Spiegelau India Pale Ale Glass

Pairings: Barbecue or curry dishes

Rating: 4.2/5 stars

Full review below

With Wanderlust, Breakside Brewery has created an IPA for the masses, yet one with the complexity to hold its own. A bronze medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival, Breakside is light-bodied with a smooth character, almost more reminiscent of a Belgian farmhouse ale than a true IPA. It has a strong fruity essence, bursting with citrus and tropical aromas above the bitterness, then finishing with the crispness of a dry champagne. A mild sweetness from the grains lingers past the finish.

IPAs have become so popular in recent years that many craft beer veterans have become wary of any entrant that doesn’t fit their expectations or break new ground. American-style IPAs have become the top selling craft beer category. One would think the modest bitterness of the hops would condemn Wanderlust in the court of expert opinion. Certainly, some drinkers may dismiss it as too light and too fruity. But this is the rare beer that strikes a balance between light and complex. Yes, the bitterness is hazy and retrained, but it pairs well with the citrus tones, which are not overwhelming, but provide a fun and zesty accent.

Wanderlust should be a great beer for summertime as the warmer weather rolls around. It would pair well with aromatic and spicy foods such as curry dishes or that summer barbecue. By serving this beer, you would please newbies while earning modest respect from knowledgeable lovers of craft brews.

Serving Note: An IPA can be served in a regular pint glass, though for the most enjoyable drinking experience, use a Spiegelau India Pale Ale Glass. These glasses were developed with extensive collaboration from the brewmasters at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, two of America’s most respected beer craftsmen, who focused on enhancing the aroma and feel of the IPA tasting experience. An IPA glass is truly the best way to enjoy this beer.