Beer Review: Shred Raking Leaves West Coast IPA
Brewery: Shred Beer Company (Rocklin, CA) Style: West Coast IPA ABV: 6.5% Hops: Mosaic, Chinook, Amarillo, Citra, Citra DynaBoost
A True Autumn Refresher from a WCIPA Master “Shred Raking Leaves” is a pitch-perfect representation of the modern West Coast IPA, showcasing the mastery that has earned Shred Beer Company significant accolades. It successfully balances the bracing bitterness and piney backbone the style demands with a surprisingly vibrant layer of tropical and berry complexity from its modern hop blend. It’s clean, intensely aromatic, and dangerously drinkable—the ideal brew to sip after a crisp fall day’s work. If you appreciate the signature clean, dry finish and hop intensity Shred is known for, grab this one.
Tasting Notes
Appearance – Pours a stunningly clear, bright gold with zero haze, confirming its West Coast identity and Shred’s commitment to clarity. The head is a dense, eggshell white foam that clings stubbornly to the glass.
Aroma – The nose is a knockout. It leads with a powerful hit of classic IPA aromas: resinous pine and slightly bitter grapefruit zest from the Chinook and Amarillo. However, the Mosaic quickly follows, introducing beautiful notes of blueberry skin and fresh mango. A final, sharp citrus lift—like zested lime—comes from the Citra blend, rounding out a complex and highly appealing bouquet.
Mouthfeel & Palate – This beer is crisp and aggressive in the best way, exactly what you expect from a top-tier West Coast IPA producer. The mouthfeel is medium and highly effervescent. The flavor profile is dominated by upfront bitterness, tasting of pine needles and lemon pith. The malt bill is minimal, allowing the hop flavor to shine without any residual sweetness. It finishes bone-dry, leaving a pleasant, warming resinous coating on the palate that begs for the next sip. This clean, snappy finish is a hallmark of Shred’s work.
This IPA delivers exactly what it promises. It’s a nostalgic nod to the style’s origins, bitter and clear. Still, it uses modern hops like Mosaic and Citra DynaBoost to give it a contemporary, juicy edge without sacrificing its clarity or dryness. It’s a prime example of why Shred Beer Company has quickly become a standout name in California brewing.
Highly recommended.
Available at SF Tequila Shop