Zipline Brewing Company - Dope!

Zipline's Dope! presents a bright golden-yellow with a bit of haze and a robust cap of fluffy foam. In the aroma department, we picked up a soft lemon-lime citrus impression which melds with some light tropical and candied stone fruit notes, melon, a little berry and white grape juice, a dash of vanilla and fresh coconut, and a distinct herbal spice note. Cashmere hops are known for their smoothness, and on the palate this does indeed come across very juicy in a smooth and supple way that’s different than more zesty or harsh IPAs. The body is silky smooth and almost fluffy, bolstered by the use of oats, soft carbonation, and a lusciously juicy hop profile that keeps us coming back for another sip. Look for the hop bitterness to come through as medium-firm and well-matched to the malt core, which is fairly clean but robust enough to provide a silky stage for those hop flavors to shine. Take note: the big 8% ABV stays sneakily tucked away, offering a bit of a fruity bite but otherwise flying under the radar. For pairing options, try coconut shrimp with a mango or apricot dipping sauce, lemon thyme chicken with garlic, roasted turkey breast with a peach and rosemary glaze, or a peach & blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Cheers!

Zipline Brewing Company in Lincoln, Nebraska first started production back in 2012, focused on making high-quality beers and building up a sustainable community around those beers that the brewery would be able to support. While the brewery started with just one of their three brewery founders, Marcus Powers, as the company’s lone employee, in just a few years Zipline grew to about 40 employees.

Since their opening, the brewery has quickly grown to the full capacity of their production system, and they decided to respond to that constraint by focusing on their nearby markets and adding retail locations. Zipline’s first taproom opened up in 2013 adjacent to their brewery in Lincoln, and they opened the Zipline Beer Hall in November 2016, the latter also in Lincoln, but focusing more on a beer-garden vibe. The brewery’s third taproom opened in summer 2017, in northern downtown Omaha, with more of an urban industrial vibe, and Zipline opened their Culture Lab facility (focusing on mixed-fermentation beers and wild projects) there in February of 2019. For good measure, Zipline’s fourth taproom, the Zipline Beer Lounge, opened in Omaha in summer of 2019.

Currently, Zipline produces nine year-round brews, plus a wide array of seasonal, small-batch, and barrel-aged beers, including a few that we’ve featured in our Rare Beer Club, such as their delicious MAAANGO! IPA. For more info on the brewery and their multiple locations in Nebraska, give 'em a ring at 402-475-1001 or visit ziplinebrewing.com.