West Sixth Brewing - Hop Static Ch. 8

We’ve been big fans of West Sixth’s Hop Static rotating IPA series, having previously enjoyed their Ch. 1 and Ch 3. versions. This version, Ch. 8, is brand new, and is the brewery’s first Cold IPA – a relatively new but increasingly popular IPA style variant that’s fermented at colder temperatures with lager yeast (although somewhat warmer than an IPL or other lagers), and that uses some flaked rice to lighten the malt profile. It’s a perfect beer for the warm months, so let’s dive in! This Cold IPA presents a bright gold hue with plenty of bright white foam. On the nose, look for bold notes evoking tropical fruits including mango, as well as some citrus character breaking towards grapefruit and lime, notes of honeydew melon, some pine resin, touches of stone fruits, light herbal grassiness, and hints of berries. On the palate, we were immediately struck by how crisp and dry this brew comes across. Perceived hop bitterness is fairly firm, with the hop character coming through quite fruity – as in the aroma – but with the grassy, herbal qualities amped up, delivering a bit of peppery spice and also just a hint of earthiness. Citric and tropical fruit notes abound, albeit in a way that comes across much drier to us than traditional IPAs with their caramel malts and the esters that come with warmer fermentation with ale yeast. The malts offer some crackery and papery notes to support the hop show while staying crisp, clean, and out of the limelight. For pairing options, we’d steer toward grilled chicken, hot dogs and brats, burgers, and other outdoor summertime favorites. Or, try Hawaiian barbecued chicken or pork with macaroni salad, or some baja-style fish tacos with a lime crema. Cheers!

West Sixth Brewing hit our radar pretty early on after they were founded in 2012, and this sustainability-minded brewery in Kentucky has been making some exceptional beers that see very modest distribution. From their core year-round IPA (packed with Cascade, Centennial, Citra, and CTZ hops) to more occasional offerings like their exceptional Christmas Ale and imperial stout releases, West Sixth has been continually knocking it out of the park. The brewery distributes solely in its home state of Kentucky and nearby areas, but the local emphasis has also helped them grow in leaps and bounds over the past few years.

West Sixth currently operates a taproom at their brewery in downtown Lexington in the historic Bread Box building, along with a brewery and taproom in Louisville’s trendy NuLu neighborhood. There’s also the brewery’s West Sixth Farm, a 120-acre property in Franklin on which West Sixth grows all kinds of different regional ingredients for their beers: hops, blackberries, raspberries, cider apples, and more. A small fourth location serves visitors to Newport’s Bridgeview Box Park.

In addition to world-class beers, we appreciate the mindfulness West Sixth shows toward the surrounding communities, as well as their efforts toward environmental sustainability. Along with supporting nonprofits through campaigns like Sixth for a Cause, Wooden Nickel, Pay It Forward Cocoa Porter, and Pedaling for a Purpose, the brewery also releases a sustainability report each year—highlighting efforts in areas like farming and land management practices, resource utilization & recycling, charitable giving, and community involvement. For more info, visit their website at www.westsixth.com.