The Brewery: Wagner Valley Brewery (Lodi, NY)
The Brew: IPA
Availability: Bottles, draft (year-round)
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home
The Story? Wagner Valley Brewery launched in 1997, smack in the middle of wine country out here in Central NY. Wagner is unique in two ways - they've also been a winery since 1978 and their standard series of brews abides by German Purity Law.
Their IPA uses a blend of hops, including East Kent Goldings and Cascade and is dry-hopped with 2.5 lbs. of hops per barrel. Let's dig in.
The Beer? After a gentle pour, this IPA presents a fluffy, lacy off-white head atop of bright, transparent amber body. Dark, earthy, woody hops dominate the nose.
I take a refreshing mouthful back and am rewarded with deep, bitter flavors. Plenty of hops, but also complementary malty and burnt flavors. The hops are robust, dark, and not citrusy. The closest comparison which immediately comes to mind is Bronx Pale. Further through, toasted malt and resin-centric hop flavors take center stage.
Overall a solid, deep IPA with quality and depth. Recommended for all you locavores.
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