Take the plunge.

Brisk and intense with a crisp, bracing finish and a glint of tropical fruit just visible in the distance, Cold Plunge is a deep dive into the profound abyss of hops. To get a deep analysis of our newest Hop Box-exclusive Cold DIPA, dive into the review below!

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

Malts: Pilsner, Dextrose

Hops: Mosaic, Amarillo, Strata, Galaxy

Cold Plunge is a Hop Box feature.  For our readers that don’t already know, talk about the Hop Box and let us know how Cold Plunge fits in. 

The hop box is a mixed pack that allows us to showcase all the different, interesting ways hops can be utilized in modern brewing. With Cold IPA being the newest innovation in the IPA realm, we felt it was only right to include this new style in the Hop Box.

Can you give a little background on Cold Plunge? What exactly is a “Cold IPA”?

Created by head brewer Kevin Davey from Wayfinder, Cold IPA is meant to be the “polar opposite of a hazy IPA,” in his own words. The malt bill is the same that would be used for West Coast IPA, utilizing light malt and dextrose to increase alcohol content while minimizing malty character. The hop regimen is also similar to a West Coast IPA, with large amounts going into the boil, followed by heavy-handed dry hopping after fermentation. The main innovation that differentiates Cold IPA is that the beer is kept at a much lower temperature during fermentation, a temperature much closer to that used in lager brewing. Using a yeast that can tolerate this lower temperature is important, with some breweries even using lager specific strains to ferment Cold IPAs. Fermenting at a lower temperature means that the yeast will produce far fewer esters— the fruity compounds that mostly differentiate the flavor profile of ales and lagers. In turn, the hops become the entire focus and showcase in the beer.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Cold Plunge is light gold with crystal clarity and dense, fluffy white foam. Hop derived notes of fresh pineapple, ripe melon, and tangerine dominate both the aroma and flavor. Sweetness is extremely restrained, with just enough present to balance the mild hop bitterness. The elevated ABV is well hidden behind the massive, fruity hop aromas, and helps to keep the body light and effervescent.  

What makes you want to drink this beer?

With most winter seasonal food and drink focusing on rich, hearty flavors, a refreshing, hop-forward cold IPA is a perfect break when you’re overwhelmed by holiday spice. And at 8.5% abv, Cold Plunge holds up to the winter warmers and stouts that help keep out the chill on those extra cold nights. 

How long could Cold Plunge stay in an Ice Bath?

Since alcohol freezes at a lower temperature than water, Cold Plunge could stay in that bath as long as it wants without ever freezing. But I suggest taking it out about 15 minutes before you crack the can to allow it to warm ever so slightly, releasing a bouquet of tropical and citrus hop aroma. 

Appearance: Light gold with excellent clarity and thick white foam. 

Aroma: Notes of fresh pineapple, ripe melon, citrus zest, and juicy tangerine. Just the slightest hint of crackery malt.

Taste: Mild bitterness and just a hint of sweetness allow all the fruity hop notes to dominate the flavor profile.

Mouthfeel: Light-bodied and effervescent with a dry, crisp finish.

Overall: Cold Plunge is a light gold Cold IPA with great clarity and dense white foam. Hop-derived notes of pineapple and melon are featured, backed by mild bitterness and just a hint of light, refreshing malt.

What foods would pair well with Cold Plunge?

This beer would be perfect to wash down some heavy winter beef stew, or hearty chili.

Ideal glassware for Cold Plunge?

A glass with a slight inward curve to help capture and release all those amazing hop aromas.