Free State Brewing Company - Breakaway IPA

Presenting a rich copper color with good clarity and a cap of light beige foam, this IPA from Free State offers up a big blast of hoppy aromas from the moment it's poured. Juicy fruit notes of tangerine and orange lead the way, augmented by tropical fruits reminiscent of pineapple and passion fruit, plus a touch of peach. The resinous hop aromas are underpinned by light malty impressions of toasty bread. The engaging hop aroma profile carries over to the flavor too, where it is met by a sturdy malt backbone boasting deeper, richer flavors than many other IPAs. Look for notes of caramel plus some toasty & roasty tones. Hop bitterness comes through plenty firm, keeping this IPA dry into the finish. At 6% ABV, Breakaway may not quite be a session IPA, but it does weigh in lower than most other American-style IPAs, all without sacrificing anything in the malt department. To us, this brew's malt profile and the balance it strikes with the hops is somewhat English in character, but the very bright and citrusy American hops firmly wrap this brew in the stars and stripes. For pairing options, we're thinking barbecued chicken or pork with a spicy sauce or rub, curried Indian dishes, or a snack of Cheddar, Colby, Cotswold, or Gloucester cheeses. Cheers!

Back in the 19th century, Kansas was host to as many as 113 breweries – until the state became the first to introduce alcohol prohibition into their constitution, wiping out the brewing culture that was so popular among the German immigrant population. It was the discovery of this history that inspired the brewing passion of Free State founder Chuck Magerl. It may also run in the blood; his grandfather brewed illegally during Prohibition, ending up in Leavenworth for a time. After studying brewing at UC Davis' top-notch brewing program, Chuck came back to Kansas where breweries were still prohibited. After successfully lobbying legislators in Topeka to change the laws, Chuck opened Free State in 1989, becoming the first (legal) brewery in the state since 1880.

Now, in 2018, Free State, which is still owned and helmed by Chuck Magerl, is one of a multitude of Kansas breweries that have opened in the intervening years, but they certainly remain among the best due in no small part to their excellent brewing staff. Current brewmaster, Steve Bradt, has been with the brewery since 1989, and brings a wealth of experience to bear in crafting Free State's delicious beer portfolio. He's judged at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, and is a member of the Brewers Association's Board of Directors. Their Head of Downtown Brewing, Geoff Deman, is a Lawrence native who's been brewing at Free State since 2002, and also has GABF and WBC judging credits to his name, along with various awards.

In addition to providing their community with excellent beer, Free State supports their community with numerous events and charity fundraisers each year, including the annual 41-mile Brew to Brew Run in support of the fight against cystic fibrosis, which starts at Kansas City's Boulevard Brewing Company and ends at Free State in Lawrence, KS. To learn more about the brewery and their downtown Lawrence brewpub, call 'em up at 785-843-4555 or visit www.freestatebrewing.com.