Northern Alps IPLager : Background
Northern Alps IPLager is a 5% India Pale Lager from Northern Alps Brewery based in Omachi, Nagano. It’s part of their regular lineup and is available in both cans and on tap. The hops used in this version are imported NZ Nelson Sauvin though if any other hops are used, they are unknown at the time of writing. Finally, this is a collaborative beer, with Slow Hand Beer Company, a Candian brewery, having a hand in making this.
At A Glance
- ABV : 5%
- Style : IPL
- Hops : Nelson Sauving
- Adjuncts : –
- IBU : 18
Sale Information
- Availability : Regular
- On Sale : –
- Size : 350 ml
Northern Alps IPLager : Appearance, Aroma, and Taste
Northern Alps IPLager poured out a pale straw colour with a thin layer of white head on top that had some legs to it, but ultimately gave up and limped away to a few bubbles around the side of the glass. There was as significant amount of haze to the beer, which was a little surprising considering the style, but then styles are made to be broken, or at least fiddled around with for a bit.
However, as the old adage says to never judge a book by its cover. Northern Alps IPLager had a wonderful fruity aroma of a crisp white wine, alongside a touch of citrus notes eminating from the glass. As it warmed up, there was a touch of light malt sweetness to the body, which while sweet, wasn’t cloying or overpowering.
The body followed the aroma of the beer down to a tee – lots of white wine and citrus flavour being present – yet the softness of the bitterness, and crispness of the body made Northern Alps IPLager a delicious beer to drink. It didn’t last long, and at 5%, it could probably be a touch stronge, but those are minor points on what was a delicious beer.
Northern Alps IPLager : The Bottom Line
IPLs are funny beers – sometimes they are too hoppy, while other times, not hoppy enough. Northern Alps IPLager is a brilliant example of how they should be. More please!
Northern Alps IPLager : Where to Buy
It can be bought online at the following places:
