Beer Review: Del Cielo Sock Check West Coast IPA
There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing a brewery embrace the classic West Coast IPA style. While the hazy, juicy NEIPA has dominated the scene for years, a well-executed West Coast IPA is a beautiful thing, a testament to clarity, bitterness, and the potent aromatics of classic American hops. Del Cielo’s “Sock Check” is their take on this venerable style, and it’s a nostalgic trip that delivers on all fronts.
The Concept: Back to Basics
The name “Sock Check” is a playful nod to a phrase often used to describe a powerful, hop-forward beer that practically knocks your socks off. This IPA is a throwback to the days when clarity and hop bitterness were king. Del Cielo has brewed it with a classic hop combination of Centennial, Chinook, and Ekuanot (including Ekuanot Cryo), a lineup that promises a potent, piney, and citrus-forward experience.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pours a beautiful, crystal-clear golden-amber. The color is exactly what you want from a West Coast IPA—bright and clean, a stark contrast to the hazy beers of today. A nice, frothy white head forms and leaves a respectable lacing down the glass.
Aroma: The moment you bring the glass to your nose, you’re hit with a wave of classic West Coast aromatics. The Centennial and Chinook hops deliver a punch of resinous pine and a zesty, grapefruit-like citrus. The Ekuanot hops add a layer of complexity with hints of tropical fruit and a slightly spicy, herbal note. It’s a fantastic bouquet—bold, clean, and inviting.
Taste: This is an unapologetically bitter beer, and it’s all the better for it. The flavor profile is a direct reflection of the aroma: a dry, biting pine resin bitterness up front, followed by a juicy wave of grapefruit and orange peel. There’s a subtle malt backbone that’s present just enough to support the aggressive hops, preventing it from being overly harsh. The finish is long and dry, with the bitterness lingering pleasantly on the palate and encouraging the next sip.
Mouthfeel: The body is medium-light, crisp, and incredibly clean. It’s not chewy or syrupy; it’s designed to be refreshing and to let the hop flavors shine. The carbonation is lively, which accentuates the dry finish and makes it highly drinkable.
Del Cielo’s Sock Check is a brilliant homage to the West Coast IPA. It’s a beer that doesn’t mess around—it’s bitter, piney, and citrusy, exactly as it should be. For those who grew up on the “C” hops of the early craft beer movement, this will feel like a welcome reunion. And for newer craft beer drinkers, it’s an excellent introduction to a style that paved the way for everything we enjoy today. It’s a beer that demands you “check your socks,” not because it’s a gimmick, but because its bold, classic flavor is a wake-up call to your taste buds, highly recommended for any hop-head looking for a beer that is clear, crisp, and wonderfully bitter.
About the SF Tequila Shop’s Craft Beer Collection
Welcome to the SF Tequila Shop‘s Craft Beer Collection, where our passion for artisanal spirits extends to the world of meticulously crafted brews. While our roots are deeply planted in the rich traditions of agave, we believe that great taste knows no bounds. Our curated selection of craft beers is a testament to this philosophy, bringing you a diverse and dynamic range of flavors from both local Bay Area legends and acclaimed breweries across the globe.
We’ve hand-picked each beer in this collection to complement our artisanal tequilas and mezcals, offering a variety of profiles that range from crisp and refreshing lagers to bold, barrel-aged stouts. Whether you’re seeking a perfect palate cleanser, a complex brew to sip alongside a fine spirit, or simply a delicious beer to enjoy on its own, you’ll find a beverage that meets your needs.
Explore our selection and discover hoppy IPAs, sour ales, rich porters, and unique seasonal releases. We are dedicated to supporting independent brewers and sharing their stories, one bottle at a time. The SF Tequila Shop is more than just a place for agave; it’s a destination for the discerning drinker who appreciates the art and craft of all things liquid.
Cheers!