With the beer writer-driven international campaign, Flagship February, continuing its month-long celebration of flagship beer, and SweetWater set to celebrate its 22nd anniversary, this week's Beer Pick is one of my forever local favorites, SweetWater IPA.
Beer Pick
SweetWater IPA
SweetWater Brewing Co., Atlanta
Available on draft and in bottles and cans
Profile
SweetWater’s iconic American IPA is second only to its ubiquitous 420 Extra Pale Ale as a true flagship beer. And in Atlanta, it often can be had in a matter days after it’s kegged, canned or bottled. That’s the ideal way to appreciate its bright panoply of Columbus, Chinook, Cascade, Simcoe, and Golding hops, balanced by a lush blend of Munich, wheat, 2-Row, and Crystal malts.
SweetWater notes its “extensive dry hopping process,”and along with being unfiltered and bottle-conditioned, IPA is a very well-made beer, with juicy, bittersweet flavors and aromas and underlying notes of grapefruit and pine.
Pair with
Like most straight-up American IPAs, SweetWater IPA pairs well with fried, grilled and spicy foods, from fish and chips to charred steaks and pork vindaloo. Or try it with farmstead cheddar or a soft, ripe goat cheese.
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