Beer Review: Fort George Magnanimous IPA with Grand Fir
“A Christmas Tree in a Glass”
As winter settles in the Pacific Northwest, Fort George Brewery releases a seasonal classic that perfectly captures the region’s essence: Magnanimous IPA. Brewed in Astoria, Oregon, this isn’t just a standard winter warmer—it is a distinctively pine-forward IPA that bridges the gap between a crisp West Coast profile and the festive spirit of the holidays.
Fast Facts
- Brewery: Fort George Brewery (Astoria, OR)
- Style: American IPA (Winter Seasonal)
- ABV: 7.0%
- Special Ingredient: Grand Fir tips harvested from Earth & Sky Farm in Oregon City
- Hops: Simcoe, Chinook (often with Columbus Cryo)
- Malts: 2-Row, Rahr Pilsner, Special Aromatic, GW C15
Vibe:
The blue, white, and red color palette feels wintry and crisp, standing out on the shelf against the darker colors usually reserved for winter stouts and porters.
The Pour
Once poured, Magnanimous sits in the glass as a clear, light golden-orange. It typically generates a rocky, persistent white head that leaves generous lacing—a hallmark of a well-crafted Fort George IPA.
Aroma
The moment you crack the can, the promise of “Grand Fir” is delivered. The nose is dominated by fresh evergreen and pine needles, smelling remarkably like a walk through a damp Oregon forest or fresh-cut Christmas tree boughs. Beneath the forest floor scent, there are supporting notes of grapefruit zest and orange peel from the Chinook and Simcoe hops.
Palate
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- On the tongue, the fir tips are present but not medicinal.
- Up Front: A bright wave of resinous pine and spruce. It tastes green and vibrant.
- Mid-Palate: The malt bill provides a solid, slightly sweet backbone (caramel and cracker notes) that prevents the beer from feeling thin or overly bitter.
- Finish: Clean, crisp, and dry, with a lingering bitterness that invites the next sip. It avoids the heavy, cloying sweetness often found in high-ABV winter beers.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. It has an oily, resinous quality that coats the tongue pleasantly without weighing it down.
Magnanimous IPA is a masterclass in using adjunct ingredients (fir tips) to enhance, rather than overpower, a beer style. It is the quintessential Pacific Northwest winter beer—perfect for drinking after a day of hiking in the rain or while decorating the tree. If you love “pine-bomb” IPAs, this is a bucket-list beer.
Best Paired With:
- Roast pork with rosemary
- Aged sharp cheddar
- A rainy evening by the fire
Available at SF Tequila Shop