Flying Fish Brewing Company - Exit 16 Double IPA

Pouring a deep reddish-amber color with lots of fluffy foam, Red Fish certainly looks the part of a superb red ale. We were happy when it delivered in the aroma and flavor departments, too. On the nose, the cavalcade of American hop varietals delivers a hop-forward brew with plenty of floral and fruity notes including candied citrus, some tropical fruit, and even some berry-like hints. But, we’ve got some malt here too, offering caramel overtones with touches of roast. In the mouth, this beer offers lots of fireworks – it’s hugely flavorful, with plenty of toasty malt providing a tasty stage on which the bold hoppy notes can shine. At 42 IBUs, hop bitterness is firm without being crushing, and the malts do a good job of rising up and providing a counterbalance. Citric notes are joined by herbal/piney notes which are then met by toasted and caramelized malts – all of which culminate in a delicious balance. We love hopped up red ales, but it’s been a while since we’ve encountered one as satisfying as this. Pair with brisket, burgers, pork loin, or a snack of port wine cheese and cheddar. Cheers!

When Gene Muller founded Flying Fish in 1995, his approach was a bit unusual. While working to build his brewery, he launched the company online – becoming a “virtual brewery” to allow microbrew fans to contribute their assistance and opinions by weighing in on upcoming beer styles, naming the beers, designing labels and merchandise, and even signing up to be volunteer taste testers and applying for employment. By late 1996 the brewery was finished and the first beer was released to a waiting fan base. A pretty clever approach if you ask us.

Muller, a graduate of America’s oldest brewing school at Chicago’s famed Siebel Institute, remains at the helm to this day, presiding over two decades of impressive growth. In 2012, having outgrown their original location in Cherry Hill, Flying Fish moved to a new facility in Somerdale. Here, they pursue sustainability as a top priority. Solar tubes provide natural light, solar panels provide power, a steam capture system reduces water and power consumption, high-efficiency boilers reduce gas usage, and all spent grain (over 2 million pounds per year) goes to a local dairy farmer for feed.

Winners of eight Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medals, among many other awards, Flying Fish currently offers seven year-round beers along with various seasonal and special offerings, including super small batch one-offs and barrel aged beers that are only available at their Tasting Room. For more info about the brewery, their Tasting Room, tours and more, contact them at 856-504-3442 or visit www.flyingfish.com.