We know what you’re thinking: “Whoa, a triple IPA! I’ve heard about those!” For our eighth anniversary, we’ve sought inspo in the hop wars of bygone days. Big, bold, dank, and hop-heavy, Eight Track is a deep cut for our longtime listeners. Do hops ever go out of style? We don’t think so. Read on to learn about our brand new eighth anniversary brew!

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: Pale, Pilsner, Rye, Dextrose

Hops: Mosaic, Enigma, Azacca, Galaxy, Columbus, Citra

8 Track is a Triple IPA—talk about this style. Why is this the choice for an eighth anniversary beer?

The lines between IPA, Double IPA, and Triple IPA are a little blurry, and definitely not linear, but you can expect a Double to be more heavily hopped, with a higher abv than standard IPA. A Triple IPA takes this up even another notch, featuring massive additions of hops and often clocking in at or above 10% abv. When we opened, West Coast IPA was by far the most popular style, and we quickly made a name for ourselves with our hopped up brews. For this year’s anniversary we were feeling a bit nostalgic for those early days, and realized: what better way to pay homage to our roots than loading up a beer with as much hops as physically possible?

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

This beer is all about the hops. Mosaic, Galaxy, Columbus and Citra are some of our favorite and most widely used varietals. Enigma and Azacca are quickly joining that group. Aromas of grapefruit zest, resinous pine, fresh papaya, and orange juice mask the high alcohol content wonderfully. The body is fairly thin, with just enough hints of malt to support all those big, bold hop flavors. This beer also features a specialized yeast strain that enhances hop flavors and aromas.

What makes you want to drink this beer?

Anyone who loves hops will want to try this beer. The hop character is fresh and bright, with little else to get in the way by design. I also can’t wait to have a pint at our eighth anniversary party, while spending time with friends and coworkers that I’ve barely seen in over a year. Also, it’s already hot outside, and this beer is full of citrus and tropical flavors that are refreshing and perfect for summer.

Are there any other IIIPAs you dig?

Pliny the Younger by Russian River is incredible, but a bit difficult to get. 120 Minute IPA from Dogfish Head and Hoptimum by Sierra Nevada are both much more accessible, and are both great Triple IPAs.

Appearance: Gold with some haze and thick, fluffy white foam

Aroma: Grapefruit zest, resinous pine, fresh papaya, and orange juice, with just a hint of malt.

Taste:  Medium-high bitterness with hints of malty sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Medium-thin with lingering, hoppy bitterness that beckons for another sip.

Overall: This gold colored Triple IPA is loaded with aromas of grapefruit zest, resinous pine, fresh papaya, and orange juice, with medium-high bitterness and a medium-thin body. Alcohol is well-masked, leading to an deceptively drinkable and refreshing brew.

What foods would pair well with 8 Track?

I like to pair big, bold beer with big, bold flavors. I think this would go really well with hot wings, as the high alcohol would help wash away the heat, and the intense flavors would cut right through the spice.

Ideal glassware for 8 Track? A tulip