$TLRY: Colorado’s Breckenridge Brewery is one of

$TLRY: Colorado’s Breckenridge Brewery is one of the craft breweries over the past decade that was bought by Anheuser-Busch (in 2016) but then changed hands again last year, as AB sold a number of them to Tilray Brands. Breckenridge was among eight beverage brands in the sale, which also included Widmer Brothers Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Red Hook, Shock Top, and more.

It’s an interesting bit of context these days in light of various sales and ownership changes, but what about the effect on the beer? I will note that while Breckenridge was owned by AB, the only beer from the brewery I ever remember seeing available here in Central Oregon was the Christmas Ale, so perhaps under Tilray there will be more distribution out west here.

Such as, for instance, the newest beer from the brewery, Ridge Runner West Coast IPA. Breckenridge sent me samples of this new IPA to check out, which is part of the company’s year-round Mainline series. It’s 7.4% ABV and double dry hopped with Citra lupulin powder, and available in 12-ounce cans.

Appearance: Copper-orange in color, golden when held to the light, with a slight haze. Off-white head.

Smell: Sweet pine, candied grapefruit peel, pine sap, a bit of floral alcohol esters. It’s hoppy and resinous, with an impression of lupulin that makes me visualize hop pollen or dust. It’s almost double IPA-like in the nose; the malt takes a back seat as far as aroma goes.

Taste: Malt is present more in the flavor with a nice toasty biscuit though it’s still got an upfront hop bitterness that plays well off of it; good resiny pine notes, a touch earthy, with some forest floor duff and charred grapefruit. Solid.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied with a hint of spicy hop burn, and a moreish finish.

Overall: It’s a good IPA, and quite drinkable.