Coastal vibes unleashed in Logboat’s newest Rocket Shark release

Photo courtesy of Logboat Brewing.

From the heart of Columbia, Missouri, Logboat Brewing Co. is set for the latest release from its Rocket Shark series.

Coral Reefer IPA, is a nod to the classic West Coast style IPA and is brewed on the weight of Victory malt and oats which will give it a “toasty” character with nutty, biscuity and baked bread flavors. Logboat also uses a good dose of Lemondrop hops which exhibit big notes of candied orange peel and lemon zest.

“We used Idaho 7 in the whirlpool which brought in additional notes of Juicy Fruit gum complimented by the Simcoe’s addition of hemp and pine balsam on the finish,” said the brewing team.

Coral Reefer IPA

The new beer is the third variant in the Rocket Shark series. The original Rocket Shark was released in February 2023. The beers use new hop technology that flash freezes fresh hops straight from the field capturing their bright green essence! The original Rocket Shark includes refreshing notes of pine resin, melon rind and Meyer lemon.

The first variant, (May 2023) Rocket Shark Nectaron showcased the New Zealand bred Nectaron hop, used in conjunction with its sister variety Waimea, as well as some Waïiti hops. This blend of New Zealand-grown hops gives off massive flavors of pineapple juice and passionfruit that play off a hefty aura of citrus and cannabis.

The second variant, (Sept. 2023) Sabrillosphere was brewed with Amarillo hops in conjunction with Sabros and Cashmere. These three hops together give off big notes of stone fruit, peach rings, citrus, and piney dankness.

Coral Reefer Availability

Coral Reefer IPA is available on tap now in the Logboat Brewing taproom, and will soon be hitting stores near you this week.

What is a West Coast IPA

A West Coast IPA is a style of beer that originated on the West Coast of the United States, particularly in California. This style is known for its distinct hop-forward character, showcasing a prominent hop aroma, flavor, and bitterness. Here are some key characteristics of West Coast IPAs:

  1. Hop Dominance: West Coast IPAs are defined by their bold hop presence. They typically feature a variety of hops, often known for their citrus, pine, resin, and floral notes. The hop aroma and flavor take center stage, contributing to a refreshing and aromatic profile.
  2. Bitterness: These IPAs tend to be more bitter compared to other IPA styles. The bitterness comes from the hops and is balanced against the malt sweetness to create a crisp and dry finish.
  3. Malt Backbone: While the hops are the stars, West Coast IPAs still have a solid malt backbone. Common malt varieties used include pale malt, which provides a light color, and sometimes crystal malt for a touch of sweetness and complexity.
  4. Dry Finish: West Coast IPAs often have a dry finish, which enhances the drinkability and allows the hop flavors to linger on the palate.
  5. Clear Appearance: Unlike hazy or New England IPAs, West Coast IPAs are typically clear or slightly hazy. The clarity allows the vibrant color of the beer to be visible.
  6. Alcohol Content: West Coast IPAs often have a moderate to high alcohol content, contributing to the overall boldness of the beer.
  7. Innovation in Brewing Techniques: Breweries on the West Coast played a pivotal role in popularizing and innovating brewing techniques for IPAs, including dry hopping, which involves adding hops after the boiling process to maximize aroma and flavor.
  8. Historical Significance: The West Coast IPA style gained prominence in the craft beer movement, with breweries such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Stone Brewing Co. being influential in its development. The style is seen as a departure from traditional English IPAs, emphasizing the unique qualities of American-grown hops.

Overall, West Coast IPAs offer a vibrant and aromatic drinking experience for those who appreciate the bold flavors and bitterness derived from a generous use of hops in the brewing process.


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