
The Farm to Market beer series from Zupan’s Markets is a collaborative project, where the Portland-based grocery teams up with local breweries to release co-branded beers across a variety of styles. The latest beer in the series sees Zupan’s teaming up with Breakside Brewery to release a modern take on a West Coast IPA.
I received samples of the beer, and posted the press release here:
Zupan’s Markets is proud to unveil the release of the next installment in its popular Farm-to-Market beer series, crafted in collaboration with Portland’s Breakside Brewing. The new beer, titled Farm to Market: West Coast IPA, is a nod to the classic IPA styles of the past, with a modern, West Coast hop profile designed to captivate today’s beer drinkers. This beer is available in all Zupan’s Markets locations.
The West Coast IPA is a bright, hop-driven beer with a burst of citrus and floral notes, designed for those who love bold, aromatic flavors. Brewed with Oregon-grown Simcoe hops from Scenic Valley Farms and Coleman Agriculture, this beer brings a fresh, local touch to every sip. Its golden hue and refreshing profile make it ideal for enjoying on a sunny day or paired with your favorite meal.
It’s 6.8% ABV and in addition to highlighting Simcoe hops, it also includes Krush and Nectaron hops.
Appearance: Bright golden color, decent clarity, crisp white head.
Smell: Newer fruity-savory hop varieties in the aroma, with citrus and tropical notes along with pungent herbal greens. Subtle spiciness with some green peppercorn, tobacco, dank.
Taste: It’s got a savory herbaceousness with a moderate, clean bitter quality that reminds me of green tea or maybe matcha. Super clean, fairly neutral malt with just a touch of toastiness. There is perhaps a touch of citrus peel here, or citrus oil, but any fruit notes are fairly restrained. It’s a nice showcase of savory green hops.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, but light and crisp so it drinks lighter than medium. Firm with a clean bitter aftertaste.
Overall: Quite a nice IPA, awash in newer hop notes all around, and a refreshing and clean presence. Super drinkable.