In a parallel universe, Thiolized West Coast would be an excellent name and album cover for a compilation of the best throwback rap to come out of California in the 2010s. But in the world we have, it’s an IPA from Bridge Road Brewers that uses modern fermentation techniques to push forward the thiol flavours for a new take on some classic hops (to stick with the outdated hip hop references, it’s all a bit Schoolboy Q). Thiols are the aroma compounds that stem from hops (as well as many wines varieties) which brewers can unlock thanks to their chosen yeast and how they use it in the brewhouse (there's also some innovative new products that can help on that front too).
In the case of Thiolised West Coast, it uses "three Cs" and another all-time favourite with the hop blend being Cascade, Centennial, Citra and Mosaic. It pours with a deep orange haze as immediate waves of tropical and fruit-forward flavours burst out. Largely, those are in the shape of rockmelon, peach and pine, while some zesty grapefruit blends into the beer's susbtantial bitterness that sits on a soft and smooth base.
Will Ziebell
Published October 18, 2023 2023-10-18 00:00:00