Alright, folks, let’s dive into American Solera (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Pipe West Coast IPA, a brew that goes back to the roots of IPA with that crisp, piney bitterness we all know and love from this style. I was pretty stoked to try this one, and while it didn’t disappoint, there are a few things to talk about.
Appearance (4/5):
Poured into a glass, this IPA has that beautiful, clear golden amber color that screams classic West Coast. There’s a solid, frothy white head that hangs around for a bit before leaving some nice lacing on the glass. The clarity is spot on—no haze here, which is exactly what you want from this style.
Aroma (4/5):
Right away, you get hit with a wave of pine, resin, and grapefruit zest, which is exactly what you’d expect from a West Coast IPA. There’s a bit of a dank note in the background, giving it some extra complexity, and maybe a touch of malt sweetness. It smells fresh and sharp, with that punchy hop character leading the way. I will say, it’s not the most aromatic West Coast IPA I’ve had. It could’ve packed a bit more of that nose tingling hop intensity. Still, it’s inviting and promises a classic experience.
Taste (4.5/5):
The taste is where this beer really shines. You get those big, bold hops right up front with lots of pine, grapefruit peel, and a touch of floral bitterness. There’s a nice sharpness to it, followed by a clean, dry finish that leaves your palate ready for the next sip. The malt takes a backseat but offers just enough caramel sweetness to keep the bitterness from being overwhelming. It’s got that satisfying crisp bite that a good West Coast IPA should have. As it warms up, you might notice some subtle resinous notes that linger a bit longer, which I personally enjoy. It’s definitely a hop lover’s dream.
Critique:
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the bitterness is a bit too aggressive at times, especially if you’re not fully on board with hop bombs. The balance is there, but it’s tilted toward the bitter side, which some drinkers might find a little harsh by the end of the glass. And while the malt sweetness helps to round things out, it could use a touch more complexity to keep it from being a one-dimensional hop fest. That being said, if you’re a West Coast purist, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Mouthfeel (4/5):
The carbonation is spot on, giving it that light, refreshing feel without being too prickly. It’s medium bodied, so it doesn’t feel too heavy, but it’s not thin either. The dryness in the finish adds to the drinkability…you could easily have a couple of these without feeling weighed down. The bitterness does coat your palate a bit, which could be a turnoff for some, but I found it to be part of the charm of a true West Coast IPA.
Overall (4/5):
American Solera Pipe West Coast IPA is a great throwback to the traditional West Coast style, delivering on those bold hop flavors and crisp bitterness. It’s piney, resinous, and dry, just like you’d hope, but with enough balance to keep things from going overboard. If you love your IPAs bitter and clean, this one’s going to hit the spot. However, if you prefer something a bit more balanced or complex, the bitterness might be a bit too forward.
Would I have another? Definitely, but I’d probably follow it up with something a little more mellow to give my palate a break from the hop assault.
Final Rating: 4/5.
A solid, hop-forward West Coast IPA with a bit of bite—perfect for hop heads, but maybe a bit much for those who prefer a softer, more balanced brew.
If you’ve tried American Solera’s Pipe West Coast IPA, let us know your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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