Acheiving Beer Euphoria

By Suzanne Redekopp
Contributing Writer

Beer Euphoria – definition: state of being; sipping a particularly tasty beer and being transported to a place of pure, utter happiness; taste bud heaven.

Have you ever been transported to “Beer Euphoria”? For those of you lucky enough to have experienced it, think back to the last beer that made you feel this way. Was it a summer beer, light and refreshing on your tongue? Or perhaps a darker ale that warmed the very depths of your soul last winter? Good news, fellow beer snobs. You’re in luck if you want to experience Beer Euphoria, be it for the first or millionth time. Your deliverance: Wood Chipper IPA.

Wood Chipper IPA is the newest IPA on the local beer scene, named after the famous wood chipper scene from the movie Fargo. On Sept. 28, IPA-lovers and curious folk alike packed the HoDo lounge for the Fargo Brewing Company’s launch party and to sample their newest creation. What resulted was a tangible atmosphere of Beer Euphoria that saturated the air like North Dakota humidity.

Upon tasting your first sip of Wood Chipper IPA, here’s what would’ve smacked your senses right in the face:

:: Touch – Feeling that cold glass in your hand, waiting in anticipation for your first sip, you can feel your senses start to tingle.

:: Smell – Breathe deeply into that spicy, hoppy aroma. You can almost taste the Wood Chipper IPA on your tongue.

:: Sound – People all around you are raving about how fantastic this beer is, so you know you won’t be disappointed.

:: Sight – Who wouldn’t want to see a savory, amber-colored beer in front of them? Beer = happiness. Ben Franklin said it himself.

:: Taste – Ahh, the blessed moment has arrived. Let’s delve into this one a little more.

Expect your first taste of IPA to pack a punch, and be careful not to lose yourself and become overwhelmed with its delicious flavors. IPA beers are well-known to have a different taste than malt beers. But even if you’re not a huge IPA fan, you’ll find something to like about this one. The initial taste of spices and hops transforms in your mouth as each ingredient becomes present before you gulp it down. While the initial taste is a powerful kick of flavors, the aftertaste of the Wood Chipper IPA is best described as satisfying. There isn’t a hint of bitterness in the smooth flavor that is left enchanting your taste buds.

Chris Anderson, the Fargo Brewing Company brew master, describes his Wood Chipper IPA: “[It’s] a fairly strong and hoppy beer. Our IPA is a classic American, smooth and present, firm bitterness. It has a good malt backbone and medium body. There is a prevalent hop favor and hop aroma, [along with] a lot of spice and citrus aroma coming through due to the fact that we use a lot of hops late in the brewing process.”

Anderson then described how Wood Chipper IPA differs from an IPA that doesn’t undergo the dry hopping process. “Most hops are added when the wort [unfermented beer] is boiling,” Anderson said. He explained that dry hopping occurs when hops are added after fermentation is complete. Dry hopping increases the aroma and flavor, which is why the Wood Chipper IPA has such a strong, distinct flavor.

You’re probably kicking yourself right about now for missing the launch party at the HoDo. But a whole Beer Snob article wouldn’t be devoted to a beer that wasn’t on the market, right?

According to Anderson, Wood Chipper IPA will be available on tap at the Hodo, Sidestreet, JL Beers, Bulldog, Rhombus Guys, and the Gastropub, just to name a few. Anderson has been in the tweaking process with this beer for over a year, and since this beer has just now been launched, availability is limited to certain bars and restaurants.

“Everything is on tap. We’re hoping to be in bottles before Thanksgiving, but we’re just waiting for our labels to be approved,” Anderson said. “Once we get into bottles we’re hoping to get into liquor stores. 80% of beer consumption takes place at home.” Anderson explained that since that percentage is so high, it would be a great market to break into.

One more favorable aspect about the Wood Chipper IPA: it can be enjoyed year round. Anderson describes it as “approachable and drinkable all year.” So when enjoying your Wood Chipper IPA at any time of the year, if you’re looking for great foods to pair with it, Anderson suggests spicy foods, barbeque, or pub food like fish and chips.

So now what? Do yourself a favor. Grab a pint of Wood Chipper IPA and experience the euphoria for yourself.
       
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IF YOU GO:
What: Woodchipper IPA
Where: JL Beers, Rhombus Guys, Bulldog, Sidestreet, Hodo, Gastropub
When: All year, baby!