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Its Atlanta Beer Week as I sip and type, though by the time you read this that will probably be over. That’s OK, though, because the beer I’m going to talk to you about tonight is available year-round, not just for this annual fall event, though you will have to travel to Georgia to try it. The beer is Reformation Atlas IPA, and Taco Mac Canton was featuring this beer as part of their Atlanta Beer Week Celebration.
This wasn’t the first beer of the night for me, as I had another Atlanta Beer Week brew from an out of state brewery first: Southern Tier Zero Mile. My fear was that that one would run out, so I got while the getting was good. Next, though, was the Atlas IPA, and I ended up following this up with Reformation Providence, a Belgian-style tripel.
Reformation brewery is the closest brewery to me, actually, located in Woodstock just about ten miles away. I wanted something local for ABW, and there you go. Actually, Reformation was supposed to be even more local. The brewery was originally planned to open here in Canton, and if you want to know more about that you have but to read my review of their wonderful Cadence Dubbel.
Speaking of wings, for those so inclined, I will add there are few things in life that are as simple a pleasure to me than beer and wings, unless perhaps it is beer, wings, and football. Taco Mac has sadly dispensed with their hottest selection, Death Wings, though their new Cracked Pepper Cayenne wings have a heck of a kick to them, especially if you get them extra saucy.
I really love matching them with a good IPA, which is also very nice with traditional Buffalo. Tonight, though, I matched my Atlas IPA with Sweet Chili Sesame wings, and these are simply delicious in a spicy dark slightly sweet yet savory sauce. They remind me of the wonderful oyster sauce wings you get in Chinese restaurants back in RI. The sweet spicy wings paired perfectly with my bitter resiny IPA tonight.
Oh and I always get bleu cheese, ranch and celery with my wings here. Fries instead of celery? Taco Mac will do that if you like, but to me it’s unthinkable.
Back to the beer though. Reformation says this about Atlas on their website:
Atlas is handcrafted as an IPA. Unfiltered and deep rust in color, its aroma is citrusy with hints of caramel malt and a distinct spiciness from the rye. Columbus and Cascade hops join forces for a hint of resiny pine and citrus flavor with a prominent spicy rye finish. All these flavors are supported by a robust malt backbone to provide balance and stability for the journey. Gently carbonated and medium to full body allows the bittering hops to linger on the roof of the mouth. 6.8 ABV, best served at 45-50F.
Atlas was once brewed as the first Trans Atlantic craft beer collaboration in South Africa, featured at the annual Solstice festival. Even South Africans love the American Style IPA.
Reformation Atlas IPA has an alcohol content of 6.8% by volume and is brewed with “Malted Rye and Columbus & Cascade Hops” along with barley malt. I paid $6.50 for a 20-ounce mug at Taco Mac. Reformation beers sell in the $7 range at the growler shop for a 32-ounce fill.
My mug of Reformation Atlas IPA arrived a dark orange color with a thick full head and a heady dose of citrus fruit and herbal hops in the nose. Taking a sip, I got some caramel malt in the palate followed by a hint of spicy rye, with more caramel and a hint of butterscotch coming out as it warms.
Don’t forget the hops! They hit right away with bitter citrus peel, resin, grassy herbal aroma and a long dry bitter finish. Not a standout from the pack, but a solid well balanced beer full of malt and hop. I like it, and it’s going great with my Sweet Chili Sesame wings.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
Traditional Buffalo Wings at Taco Mac.
Sweet Chili Sesame
Cracked Cayenne Pepper
Fiery Chili Citrus