The Perfect Hoppy Lager for IPA Fans: Bergsteiger India Pale Lager
Introduction
Craft beer enthusiasts have been taking their taste buds through a rollercoaster ride with the introduction of various beer styles. One of the most loved beer styles is India Pale Ale (IPA) renowned for its bold and hoppy character. However, not all IPA fans love the bitter aftertaste that comes with it, which is where the concept of India Pale Lager (IPL) came into existence. Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is the perfect example of how brewers have combined the easy-drinking characteristics of a lager with the hop punch of an IPA.
The Story Behind Bergsteiger India Pale Lager
German for “mountaineer,” Bergsteiger is a craft brewery based in Driggs, Idaho, that specializes in making classic German-style beers with an American twist. The brewery’s primary focus is brewing lagers, widely known as the most challenging beer style to produce. Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is one of their signature beers, a sessionable and hop-heavy beer that lager lovers will enjoy.
The Ingredients
Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is made of four basic ingredients used in brewing beer: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. The malted barley used in this beer is American 2-Row barley, which provides a mild and sweet flavor without overpowering the hops. The hops used in this beer are Cascade, Amarillo, and Simcoe, adding grapefruit, citrus, and piney flavors and aromas. The yeast used in Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is a unique lager yeast that ferments at lower temperatures, providing hints of sweetness and helping to maintain the beer’s crispness in the glass.
The Brewing Process
The brewing process for Bergsteiger India Pale Lager follows the traditional lager beer brewing process, with the difference being the type of hops used and a longer dry-hopping process. The beer undergoes a long fermentation process at a low temperature, which helps create a clean and crisp flavor without any off-flavors or aromas. The beer is then “dry hopped,” meaning additional hops are added to the brew after fermentation has taken place. This dry-hopping process is what gives the beer its signature hop flavor and aroma.
Tasting Notes
Bergsteiger India Pale Lager has an amber color with a moderate white foam head. The beer has a floral and citrusy hop aroma and a sweet malt character. The taste is a perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and hop flavor, making it an easy-drinking beer that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The beer finishes with a crisp and clean taste, ensuring you remain refreshed throughout the day.
Pairings
Bergsteiger India Pale Lager can be paired with various food items, such as tacos, spicy chicken wings, pizza, and grilled meat. The beer’s hoppy character pairs well with food items that have a spice level and also cuts through the richness of cheese and meaty exquisiteness, making it an excellent refreshing beer to pair with meals.
Conclusion
Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is the perfect beer for those looking for an easy-drinking and hoppy beer. The lager beer style’s crisp and clean flavor, combined with the hops’ exotic punch, provides harmony with food pairing while refreshing your taste buds. The beer is brewed with great care and precision, ensuring that every can or bottle contains the same delicious balance of flavors. Bergsteiger India Pale Lager is an excellent example of how brewers can combine the best of both worlds, resulting in a beer that even non-IPA fans will enjoy.
