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Sometimes, when you head to the store, you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for. Other times, you’ve got something specific in mind, but other trips, you’re just seeing what will grab your eyes. That’s how I ended up picking up some Toppling Goliath Fire, Skulls & Money a little bit ago.
I was familiar with what Iowa-based Toppling Goliath was producing, due to the partnership they have with Chicago’s Field Museum to make the “Pseudo Sue” beer – I mean, if you’ve seen the dinosaur, you might as well try the beer, right? This one, though, Fire, Skulls & Money? I had never heard of before seeing it in the shop.
Now, I’m an IPA fan, and I presume many of you are as well. However, there’s a difference between what you might normally be going for – the fruitier, juicier east coast IPAs, vs the more bitter (but still flavorful) West Coast style. And reading the description that it was inspired by a West Coast trip, might make you think you’re in store for a pucker-fest.
Well, rest easy (or turn away, if that’s your jam) because I did not pick up a high bitterness in this IPA. Instead, it had the crisp piney and citrusy notes on the tongue, with a very tropical and mild nose. For it being hazy in the glass, it was not one that was overly “fruited”, and it was a very smooth sip, in my opinion.
You never now what you’ll find in the store when you head out, and sometimes it’s interesting to roll the dice. Sure, you can look up ratings in apps like Untappd and the like, but hey, why not go on and adventure and buy something solely based on the artwork? Sure, if you’re in the $18 for 4 (or sometimes 2) you may not want to do that. But in the $10-12 range? Why not? You might just find something new that you rather like, as I did here. tgbrews.com
Tasting Notes
- Piney and citrusy
- Smooth
- Slight sweetness
- Crisp
- Fizzy
- Mild nose – very tropical
- Hazy bright golden color
Details from Toppling Goliath
- India Pale Ale ? 7.20% ABV * 50 IBU
- Inspired by a trip to the west coast, designed to capture the wild spirit of adventure and brewed to be enjoyed with friends.
- This rich IPA is for those with wanderlust in their heart and fire in their eyes.
- Join our Citra, Mosaic, Galaxy, and Nelson Hops on a journey to the bottom of your glass.
