New Belgium Brewing has answered questions from their “Rangers” (New Belgium staff in the field) and from fans as to why their portfolio didn’t include a hoppy beer.  Ranger IPA, by far the hoppiest offering ever from the New Belgium Brewery, hit Binny’s earlier this week.  Unlike the majority of New Belgium’s beers, Ranger is not a Belgian styled beer.  Rather, it fits the profile of an American IPA. 

From the first whiff, we knew that this was going to be a dandy of an IPA.  The nose was filled with piney and citrusy hops of the simcoe, chinook, and cascade variety.  The hoppy bitterness that invaded our palates after the initial sip was an unexpected yet delicious shocker.  Citrus, pine, and earthy flavors followed suit.  Ranger also had a hint of that bready and biscuity taste that Fat Tire and many other New Belgium beers have.  We lamented on how light bodied and drinkable this brew was for an IPA.  A clean and bitter finish capped off Ranger.

Ranger is a testament that New Belgium can truly brew any style, and any critics of New Belgium in regards to hoppy beer will be no more once they get their hands on some Ranger.  Many of us agreed that Ranger is already our favorite offering from New Belgium, even after only tasting it once.  Do you have a preferred brew from New Belgium?