On a trip to San Diego, I stopped at the local grocery store and picked up a six pack from the Karl Strauss Brewing Company. Not very familiar with West Coast brewers, I thought it was a safe bet to pick up an IPA. And, my purchase did not disappoint.

From the Karl Strauss site.
“Tower 10 IPA boasts hops from beginning to end, and everywhere in between. We fill the brew kettle to the brim with assertive Chinook hops, giving the beer its intense grapefruit and pine flavors that linger through its dry finish. After fermentation, we dry hop with a blend of Cascade and Centennial hops for a floral citrus aroma. A touch of lightly kilned caramel malts make Tower 10 a well balanced, full flavored IPA.”

The Tower 10 has the following characteristics

• Appearance: Light golden-orange color. Good foam. An average amount of lacing.
• Aroma: A citrus scent tempered by the hops.
• Taste: Medium carbonation and mouthfeel. Good body with a slightly sweet, fruit taste followed by the bitterness of the hops leading to a nice finish.
• ABV: 6.5%

This is a very good California IPA and with a tempered bitterness could be a very good session beer.