The Beermonger: Boulder Brewing Cold Hop Ale - Beer Alexandria Virginia

Beer Alexandria Virginia

By Nick Anderson, the Beermonger

There are many, many people in Denver this week. The convention is abuzz, and with all of the news being made the thing I have on my mind as I watch is how jealous I am of all those attending. You see, Denver is the hub of one of the best beer regions in the world. Not only do you have many world-class breweries in town, but in the surrounding areas as well. One of those breweries that I’ve become a fan of recently is the Boulder Brewing Company.

Colorado’s “first microbrewery” puts out a line of well made, delicious brews that represent their styles well. Our most recent arrival from them is Cold Hop Ale, an English Style IPA. Using select New Zealand and Czech hops, Cold Hop is made in the tradition of the maltier less-hoppy IPAs that are prevalent in the UK. Cold Hop pours a fine amber color with a smooth head. The taste itself is clean, crisp and shows a fair amount of fruit from the Golden Malt used. It is a little hoppier than the Brits would make; then again, it’s an American take on the style. Cold Hop Ale is a fine session beer: Something to open and share with friends as well as something you can have a bottle or two of (maybe more) without obliterating yourself.

I’ll be tasting the Boulder Brewing Co. Cold Hop Ale this Saturday, August 30th from 12-5 PM. Also on the table will be a new Pumpkin Ale from Michigan’s New Holland Brewery, named Ichabod. I hope to see you guys there. I apologize for the short column this week—there’s just not a lot happening right now, but I promise to make that up to you next week. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

Nick Anderson, the Beermonger
Nick Anderson is the beer buyer (Beermonger) at Rick’s Wine & Gourmet in Alexandria VA. He keeps a blog at www.beermonger.net