DuClaw Brewing Company - Relaxed Fit

This session IPA from DuClaw presents a bright golden color with just a hint of haze, topped with a robust cap of rocky foam. The aromas coming from the glass are nicely fruity, with prominent tropical character evoking soft pineapple and mango, bolstered by notes of citrus steering towards the vibrant lime and lemon spectrum, along with some piney, herbal, resinous, and floral tones. On the palate, we get a good balance between the juicy, fruity notes and the spicy herbal impressions. Look for the hop bitterness to come across moderately firm, but ultimately fairly “relaxed”, allowing this lighter session IPA to focus on the aroma-oriented flavors. Though relatively light on the palate, we felt the malt center was still plenty satisfying and well-matched to the level of perceived bitterness. We love session IPAs like this, as they prove it’s possible to enjoy big flavor, refreshment, and satisfaction without always needing a higher gravity, higher ABV brew. For pairing options, fragrantly spiced dishes with only moderate heat is where we’d steer. Naturally, fruity dishes work nicely too. A salad with citrus slices and a bright vinaigrette is good for a lighter option, and grilled chicken tacos with sweet tomato or mango salsa and moderately aged cheddar will be a winner too. Cheers!

DuClaw Brewing Company was founded as a brewpub in 1996 by Dave Benfield, an accomplished home brewer. He got his start as a brewer in college, where having the ability to create alcoholic beverages can often pay considerable social dividends. But his interest in brewing continued beyond his college years and developed into a bit of an obsession. He took a position within his family’s business after graduating, but his passion for home brewing continued, eventually leading to his decision to start a brewpub.

When DuClaw opened its doors to the public in Bel Air, MD in 1996, the concept of a restaurant which serves its own microbrews crafted on a small in-house brewing system was, while not unique, still a very fresh and exciting business model. Within a year the local paper highlighted DuClaw as “Bel Air’s hippest establishment.” Over the succeeding years, Dave expanded the business, leading DuClaw to grow from a simple brewpub operation into a full package brewery. After outgrowing their original brewing location as well as a second location, DuClaw moved into a new brewing facility in Rosedale on Baltimore’s outskirts in 2013. Featuring over 60,000 sq. ft. of space, plus a custom-made and imported high-tech German brewing system, the brewery is well-positioned to grow into the future. For more info, call them up at 443-559-9900 or visit www.duclaw.com.