Carson's Brewery - RIPA

Reddish-amber and lightly hazy in the glass, capped by a robust head of beige foam, this "red IPA" from Carson's opens up with a huge aromatic profile. Look for a very fragrant potpourri-like floral-spice character from this GABF Bronze medal winner, along with notes of pine, touches of both red and black licorice, and hints of citrus zest. On the palate, there's a strong backbone of caramel and toast, with some fruity esters thrown in for good measure, but the hop flavors here are just huge. We picked up citrus notes akin to grapefruit, big spicy-floral notes, and bright pine, amongst a variety of other subtleties. Bitterness comes through very firm at 70 IBUs, easily countering the residual malt sweetness and leading to a very dry finish with a lingering note of red fruit and citrus zest. Amber ales (a.k.a. red ales) are a bit of a catch-all category. Most are brewed to be fairly malty, though others can be crafted much hoppier. RIPA is what happens when you take a beer from that latter group and up the hop factor even more – to IPA levels. We like it! A lot. For food parings, you'll want to focus on bold foods that can stand up to this bold brew. Spicy dishes are a good call, along with rich foods like lamb chops; the beer's acidity can cut through fat very much like a wine. Cheers!

Jason Carson's family worked in the industrial chemical business, providing him a background in science and industry. But, after tiring of selling heat transfer fluid, he needed a change of career, and brewing "seemed like a logical move!" Indeed, we agree – the world can never have enough craft beer! After bringing together a group of experienced brewing industry partners, Jason founded his brewing company in Evansville, IN in 2013. They obtained their brewing license in March of that year and began producing, but on a very small scale. With just a tiny half-barrel system to start with, they maxed out production with just ten local retail establishments selling their beer.

Things would change in September 2013 when their new brewhouse was finished. Boasting a 20-barrel system, the brewhouse had enough capacity for them to begin growing throughout several neighboring counties, and ultimately several Midwest states. Today, Carson's produces about a half-dozen "core" beers, including Git-R-Done, a cream ale released in spring 2017 which was brewed in partnership with Larry the Cable Guy, who had reached out to Carson's about helping him develop an official beer. In addition to their core beers, the brewery brews a multitude of others including various barrel-aged brews. Additionally, in late 2017, Carson's partnered with It Takes a Village Canine Rescue, a local no-kill shelter in Evansville, to produce Fur-ever Home, a light, tropical fruit ale – profits from which go to support the shelter (itvrescue.org).

For more info about the brewery and their Tap Room, call 'em up at 812-759-8229 or visit www.carsonsbrewery.com.