Alpine Beer Company - Nelson

"An outstanding hop from New Zealand, Nelson Sauvin, is generously used throughout the brewing and dry-hopping of this unique beer. European rye is added for a smooth, malty addition to flavor."

                                                    -  Alpine Beer Company

Brewery: Alpine Beer Company

Beer: Nelson

Style: IPA

ABV: 7%

I'll admit, I was not familiar with Alpine Beer Company until late last year. As a work commitment I was asked to drive out to Yuma, Arizona and it was during that long drive that I decided to take advantage of my eastward journey and make a stop in Alpine on the way back. Living in Chula Vista with a wife and two kids, it's tough to justify going out to Alpine for beer, especially beer that I was not familiar with. It's not like you see many Alpine bottles at the local bottle shop/liquor store either. So I had asked a few friends of mine, craft beer lovers like yourselves, if they wanted anything from the brewery. My good friend Steve Nelson, aka big red, of course asked for a bottle of Nelson. Be it fate or be it luck, I am truly grateful for these series of events. 

I picked up a bottle of Nelson myself and it kicked off my love for Alpine Beer Company, I have been HUGE advocate for them ever since. Nelson is an excellent IPA! The body is Kate Beckinsale in Van Helsing, sexy. Nelson models its bright golden body and is topped off with a marvelous white head. The aroma is fresh and full of hoppy peach and mango scents, it makes the beer very inviting to drink. The initial flavor pleasures your palate with a smooth malt flavor (Rye malt) and hints of tropical fruits, courtesy of the Nelson Suavin hops. It finishes with a sleek, fruity and flavorful bitterness that makes this beer very easy to drink. Nelson Sauvin is a type of hop grown in New Zealand and when used correctly, gives a beer an amazing flavor. Alpine Beer Company uses it perfectly in Nelson. 

There are other beers who utilize the powerful flavors or the Nelson Sauvin hops; Mother Earth's Kismet, Karl Strauss's Big Barrel and Widmer's Nelson Imperial IPA to name a few. If these are some beers that you like, you are a fan of the tropical fruit flavors of the Nelson Sauvin hops. 

We can all agree that it would be great to see Alpine Beer Company's beers readily available but as stated in an earlier post, the low supply and rarity of their beers adds to their mystique. If you have the time, take a trip out to Alpine and visit their brewery and you can see for yourself why their production is so low. Their brewery is tiny, but you can bet you will get your money's worth with any of their beers. 

Aroma: 9

Appearance: 5

Flavor: 9

Palate: 5
Style Rating: 10/10

Overall: 28/30

Let me help you. KCCO