Alvarado Street Brewery Single Cone West Coast IPA

Review

This meticulously crafted West Coast IPA showcases the brilliant interplay between three distinctive hop varieties: Mosaic, HBC 586, and Riwaka. At 7.2% ABV, it delivers power and finesse, staying true to the West Coast IPA tradition while bringing its unique character to the style.

Appearance

The beer presents as a classic West Coast IPA, with the clarity and brightness that traditionalists expect from the style.

Aroma

The nose is immediately captivating, offering a complex bouquet that marries dank, resinous qualities with bright floral perfume notes. The hop blend creates an intriguing tropical fruit medley, with distinct notes of papaya leading the charge, followed by citrus undertones of lemon and orange. An interesting layer of pithy grapefruit and earthy gooseberry adds depth, while a subtle rosy-red floral character provides elegant complexity.

Flavor

The taste is a masterful demonstration of hop-forward brewing. The flavor profile leans heavily into classic West Coast territory, with prominent diesel and pine notes balanced by bright lemon citrus. What sets this apart is the brewer’s restraint with the malt bill, which allows just enough residual sweetness to support the hop complexity without overshadowing it.

Mouthfeel

True to style, the body remains light and lean, avoiding the heavier, sweeter profiles often found in modern IPAs. The finish is clean and refreshing, inviting the next sip while maintaining excellent drinkability despite its substantial alcohol content.

Final Verdict

Single Cone is a stellar example of a West Coast IPA that honors traditional style elements while incorporating modern hop varieties. It will particularly appeal to hop enthusiasts who appreciate pronounced resinous and citrus characteristics alongside tropical fruit complexity. The careful balance of aggressive hopping with a lean malt profile creates a highly drinkable beer that showcases the best qualities of its hop blend.

Rating: 4.5/5

Perfect for: Hop lovers seeking a traditional West Coast IPA with modern hop complexity