Try?
One wonders-what would Michael
Jackson have thought of New England IPAs? Personally, I think he would have
enjoyed them. Jackson was always in awe of the constant evolution of the
beer world; he rose to fame writing about and assisting with the rise of the
craft beer revolution in America. Jackson was also a friend of Bert Grant,
who always advocated the freedom of the brewer to bend stylistic norms and
invent new ones.
It’s fitting, then, that I’m remembering the anniversary of the passing of
the Beer Hunter over a mug of Second Self Tri-Force IPA. This hazy
New England IPA is a tasty example of the style and one I am enjoying on tap
at Taco Mac. It’s August 30th as I sip, 11 years to the day since Jackson’s
passing, but we remember him still, and always will, for all he did for
craft beer.
Second Self says this about Tri-Force:
A newly imagined IPA from our team. Triforce is a slightly HAZY IPA brewed
with the Tri-Force of malts (oats, wheat and barley) and the Tri-Force hops
(Mosaic, Amarillo, and Cascade). These combine to create a unique IPA that
has the HOPPY aroma and flavor of papaya, mango, and other tropical fruits;
with a soft, flavorful mouthfeel to balance this truly inspired beer.
Second Self Tri-Force IPA has an alcohol content of 6.1% by volume and I
paid $6.80 for a 23-ounce mug at Taco Mac. Total Wine sells it for $8.99 a
six-pack; this is a year-round offering.
My mug of Second Self Tri-Force IPA arrived a hazy orange color with
a thick fizzy head of foam and tropical mango and passion fruit in the nose.
Taking a sip, I got a smooth creamy (but medium bodied) pasty malt palate,
mango and citrus tropical fruit, and a dry herbal grassy bitterness. Quite
tasty, a juicy New England IPA that is a fitting beer for this special
night.
Would Jackson have liked these? I think he would have, but might have asked
for a little more malt. I’ll second him there, but I would definitely buy
this beer again.
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
