Review: Accelerator IPA

Have you been to the grocery store or liquor store lately? You may have noticed that there is a sh’load of beers cluttering up the fridges and the shelves in damn near every shop that you visit. This is a great thing! After what seems like a lifetime, we beer-loving Utahns are finally getting the suds selection that many have been screaming for since the late ‘80s. If you’re a frequent reader of the SLUG “Beer Reviews” (Hi, Mom!), you may have observed that (for the most part) every month, we get to sink our teeth into new beers. The Salt Lake market is being inundated with outside brands like never before. This month is no different. Not only do we continue to offer new brews to discuss, we can also add new beers from new local breweries. Our beers this month are mostly homegrown and specifically made for these hot August days.

Accelerator IPA

Brewery/Brand: 2 Row Brewing Co.
ABV: 7.0%
Serving Style: 12-oz. bottle

Description: Accelerator IPA pours a light amber with a large collar of foam. The nose is sweet with big, round tropical/citrus fruits, and there’s a bit of toasty caramel as well. The taste is much of the same. It starts with some mild spicy hops, which builds into more tropical fruitiness. A nice bed of malts comes next, providing a nice balance to the hop bitterness. Dry, piney hops round out the back end, bringing it all together. The finish is semi-dry and super clean. The body is thin to medium, with pleasant carbonation, giving it a light creaminess.

Overview: Generally, small breweries such as 2 Row don’t often debut beer with such strong ingredients. Most of the good hops are already contracted out. Owner/Brewer Brian Coleman worked some serious magic to get you the hops you want in an IPA you’ll crave.