Beer Review: Strictly Dope! West Coast IPA by Shred Beer Co.
Style: West Coast IPA ABV: 6.9% Hops: Simcoe, Nelson, Citra Brewery Location: Rocklin, CA
Shred Beer Co. has been tearing up the California beer scene lately (snagging GABF medals will do that for you), and “Strictly Dope!” is a perfect example of why they are currently kings of the hop game. This isn’t a hazy juice bomb; this is a modern, laser-focused West Coast IPA built for people who miss the “bite” but still want the new-school fruit aromatics.
The Pour – It pours exactly how a West Coast IPA should: a brilliantly clear, radiant golden-yellow. It builds a fluffy, stark-white head that sticks around for the conversation, leaving lovely “California lace” down the glass as you drink. It looks crisp, clean, and inviting.
The Nose – The aroma hits the glass before your nose does. Thanks to that killer trio of Simcoe, Nelson, and Citra, the nose is “loud” in the best way possible. You get an immediate hit of dank pine (the “Doug Fir” note is real), quickly followed by exotic fruit. There is a distinct gooseberry and white wine snap from the Nelson hops, layered over a sweeter, fleshy fruitiness that reminds me of jackfruit or ripe melon.
The Taste – The palate follows the nose perfectly. The malt bill is lean and unobtrusive, acting as a simple canvas for the hops to shred on.
-
- Up Front: Bright citrus zest and that signature Nelson “diesel/grape” character.
- Mid-Palate: A wave of tropical fruit sweetness (think passionfruit and jackfruit) that keeps it from being too resinous.
- The Finish: This is where it shines. It finishes dry, crisp, and pleasantly bitter. It doesn’t coat your tongue in syrup; it snaps clean, demanding another sip immediately.
Mouthfeel – Medium-light body with zippy carbonation. It’s incredibly crushable for nearly 7% ABV. It avoids the “oily” heaviness of some older WC IPAs, opting instead for a snappy, refreshing texture.
Strictly Dope! Lives up to its name. It is a masterclass in modern West Coast IPAs, balancing the dank, resinous pine of the old school with the tropical, white-wine nuances of the new school. If you see this on tap or in cans, don’t hesitate. It’s fresh, dank, and absolutely dialed in.
Pair with: Fish tacos with a spicy mango salsa, or a classic pepperoni pizza.
Available at SF Tequila Shop