Good Libations: Global Beer Exchange Limited Release of Racer 5 and Lagunitas IPAs (May 16, 2013)

Another late entry, but another one worth writing about was the limited release of two very highly regarded American India Pales- Bear Republic's Racer 5 IPA, and Lagunitas IPA. This was a very limited release, so when Global Beer Exchange announced that they would be taking reservations, I immediately made known my intentions, and freed up my ThirstDay night.


Before going to the featured ales, I warmed-up with an old reliable favorite in the form of BrewDog Punk IPA (see my review of BrewDog here)

Never fails to satisfy

I started out with Lagunitas India Pale Ale nice pale gold color and nice white head. Aroma is more pine than fruit but there's a citrus aroma as well. Mouthfeel is very light. Although it's not very bitter like BrewDogs Hardcore or even Stone IPA, the hops are immediately tasted and lingers throughout. Very piney flavor, goes great with tapas or Shakey's Managers choice

Next up was Bear Republic Racer 5 India Pale Ale. Pours a nice gold with minimal head. Aroma is much less fruity and more hoppy compared to the Lagunitas or even the sculpin or punk ipa, although there is a hint of lemon. Full bodied mouthfeel, very aggressive, hoppy taste. Hop flavors stays with you for a while. Perfect for hopheads who like their beer bitter and aggressive

The next night, Giulz and I decided to head back to the Bottle Shop and have a few more beers. Giulz had the Rogue Double Chocolate Stout. Pours a very deep black typical of a stout, with a nice cream head. Aroma is intense dark chocolate with some caramel notes. Full bodied with a heavy mouthfeel. Chocolate is obvioisly the most prevalent flavor, but this one is incredibly strong. Malty with a constant dark chocolate flavor that lingers long after. Delicious stout 

I went with Arguably the best IPA, or even beer in the world- Ballast Point Sculpin India Pale Ale. Pours a beautiful golden yellow with a nice white head that dissipates but there's some that has lingered until now. Aroma is a plethora of fruits; mostly citrus with mango and pineapple notes too. Probably the most fragrant beer i've tried. All the flavors just explode all at once when you drink this. Truly complex but incredibly drinkable. Fruity, hoppy, malty all in one sip. The hop bitterness isn't that pronounced until the end where it lingers but still doesn't overpower. Truly an almost perfect brew that even those that don't like their beer bitter or hoppy will find delicious

Visit Global Beer Exchange's Bottle Store at the ground floor Tritan Venture Building, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City (Near Dayrit's and Amalia's) and tell them Jake sent you =)