Barebottle Lifestyles of the Rich and Dankest West Coast IPA
Barebottle Brewing Company, based in San Francisco, has a well-deserved reputation for technical excellence and creative homebrew-inspired recipes. They are particularly skilled at navigating the spectrum of IPAs, from soft Hazy juice bombs to assertive, clean West Coast styles.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Dankest is a focused example of a modern West Coast IPA, where Barebottle emphasizes “dank” aromatic qualities—referencing the resiny, piney, and sometimes skunky character of specific hop varieties—without sacrificing the style’s signature crisp finish.
Appearance
True to the expectations for a well-crafted West Coast IPA, Lifestyles of the Rich and Dankest pours crystal clear. It presents a bright, luminous golden hue. It builds a persistent head of creamy white foam that leaves attractive lacing down the glass as it slowly recedes, showcasing its clean profile.
Aroma
The nose is a focused burst of classic, assertive West Coast hops. The “dankest” aspect of the name is immediately apparent, with strong aromas of fresh pine resin and dank, earthy undertones defining the bouquet. This resinous base is balanced by bright, zesty citrus notes, particularly grapefruit peel, which provides a clean, invigorating contrast.
Taste
The flavor profile follows the nose directly. An assertive, delightful “splash” of hop bitterness hits you on the first sip, providing that quintessential West Coast bite. The dank characteristics come through strongly on the mid-palate, offering intense flavors of pine and resin. However, this bitterness is well-balanced and does not become harsh; it is complemented by prominent citrus flavors, specifically grapefruit and a touch of lemon tartness. A subtle malt backbone peeks through just enough to provide balance and prevent the hops from becoming too overwhelming.
Mouthfeel
This IPA boasts a medium-light body, which contributes to its excellent drinkability. It is crisp and refreshing, with moderate carbonation that enhances hop flavors and contributes to a dry, clean finish. The satisfying dryness makes you eager for the next sip.
Barebottle Lifestyles of the Rich and Dankest West Coast IPA is a fantastic example of a well-executed West Coast IPA. It is hoppy, bright, and incredibly refreshing, ticking all the boxes for fans of the style. It delivers a perfect blend of citrus, pine, and resin, with a clean bitterness that is both invigorating and satisfying. It carries its alcohol well, making it dangerously drinkable. This beer is a great choice for long-time lovers of assertive West Coast IPAs.