Today I had the stitches removed from last week’s parathyroidectomy. I think I’m back in action, except for some swelling around my neck. But my throat remains in fine shape, and I should be able to try out a new beer that (Disclaimer) has been sent to me by the brewer.
Windows Up is an IPA from Alpine Beer Co., from the town of the same name an hour east of San Diego. Alpine was founded in 1999, and contracted with AleSmith Brewing Co. to make McIlhenney.s Irish Red. They opened their own 1500 bbl brewhouse in 2002, distributing exclusively in California. Alpine was purchased by Green Flash Brewing in 2014, with the object of growing production and expanding nationwide. Windows Up is one of their first beers in the Chicago market.
Windows Up is an IPA made with Mosaic and Citra hops. Alpine’s description says “an overall lingering resinous quality lend a touch of complexity to this dank IPA.”
When I poured the beer into an IPA tulip, I got a “dank” nose indeed. Pine resin dominates here, with a backing of well, catbox (in a good way). The color is gold to brassy, just a slight haze, with a spongy white head.
The taste is thick and malty, with stickiness on the lips, befitting its 7% ABV. The hop resin remains a big part of the taste, with a slight backing of citrus and papaya. It harks back and amplifies the original ideal of west coast pale ales, pushing only slightly into “extreme” territory. This one seems to need to be tasted by itself, instead of as a mealtime “go-with.”
