From the Beer Writer: It’s easy to take the longevity of a long-time brewing institution for granted, especially with so many bright, shiny flavors-of-the-month entering the market. Fortunately, breweries that have been faithfully supplying beer-fans with quality ales and lagers for as far back as we can remember have a tool for asserting their elder-status and putting themselves top of minds and palates—the anniversary ale. In celebration of a whopping two decades in business, Coronado Brewing Company just released such a beer, a behemoth imperial India pale ale (IPA). Available on-draft and in appropriately gold-decorated 22-ounce bottles, it’s the latest in a line of anniversary IPAs that have registered as some of my favorite beers from this island-born pillar of the brewing community. Rife with flavors akin to citrus and tropical fruit, it brings large amounts of hoppiness and alcohol to any party, including Coronado Brewing’s upcoming anniversary bash. Taking place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 at the company’s mainland tasting room (1205 Knoxville Street, Bay Park), it’ll include specialty beers, a commemorative glass, live music and food from an array of gastro-trucks. Tickets are currently available online.
From the Brewer: “When I started at Coronado Brewing five years ago, our anniversary beer was the first beer I was able to create from start-to-finish and see packaged in bottles. Every year since, we’ve brewed a different take on an imperial IPA. This year’s version is special because we bumped up the beer’s ABV (alcohol-by-volume) to 10% and dry-hopped it with a really tropical and fruity blend of hops, including Citra, Galaxy, Comet and Simcoe. I love how this beer sneaks up on you—it’s hard to tell its 10% ABV because it drinks so smooth. I think people are going to dig it, and that’s a great way to celebrate 20 years of brewing good beer.”—Ryan Brooks, Head Brewer, Coronado Brewing Company