Like most savvy beer fans around the Pacific Northwest, when someone mentions Chuckanut Brewery, my mind goes straight to crisp, clean lagers that sparkle like diamonds in the sun. Sure, the same brewing chops that earned that lager-focused reputation are more than capable of handling other styles — but around here, Chuckanut’s name is basically synonymous with world-class lagers. Full stop.
But wait! Chuckanut just introduced a West Coast IPA. Brewed with To Thee Pils malt from Rahr Malting Company, a new malt variety introduced here. (And yes, “To Thee” is really the name of the malt.) The hop bill included Citra and El Dorado from right here in the Pacific Northwest. It was dry-hopped with Mosaic. Read that recipe again. That’s about as new-world as an IPA gets.
This isn’t the first time Chuckanut has colored outside the lines. Remember their New World IPA, which they later renamed Bavarian IPA? An IPA, yes, but an IPA that leaned in a slightly different direction: it was brewed with German malt and German hops. If memory serves, there was at least one other short-lived IPA in their history, too — Chuckanut apparently likes to test the IPA waters every so often, then quietly go back to what they do best. Hmmm. Come to think of it, the brewery just released a new pale ale, too.
None of that changes the fact that this is not business as usual for the lager-focused brewery. But I’ve got full confidence in this beer regardless. It’s hard to imagine Chuckanut putting its name on anything less than excellent — lager or otherwise.
The brewery says, “This vibrant, refreshing IPA is golden, hoppy, tropical, and crisp. This beer was lovingly brewed for hop and IPA lovers all over.”
“West Coast IPA is great paired with fresh grilled fish tacos topped with a vibrant mango salsa, yum! Available around the Northwest in cans and on draft, and now on tap and available to go at Chuckanut Brewery’s South Nut Tap Room in Skagit Valley.”
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