Alpine Duet
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Tasting Notes
Duet leads with a bright, resinous hop aroma built around Centennial and Cascade hops — expect citrus peel, pine, and a touch of floral character coming through cleanly. The flavor follows suit with grapefruit and lemon zest up front, balanced by a firm but not aggressive bitterness and a modest malt backbone that keeps things grounded. The body is medium-light, allowing the hops to do the work without heaviness. The finish is dry and bitter, with the resinous hop character lingering in a way that rewards slow drinking.
About the Brewery
Alpine Beer Company is based in Alpine, California, a small mountain community east of San Diego. Founded by Pat McIlhenney in 1999, the brewery built a devoted following for its hop-forward ales long before San Diego IPA culture became a national talking point. The brewery was acquired by Green Flash in 2014, though its core beers largely retained their character. Alpine is regarded as one of the foundational breweries in the San Diego hop scene.
Food Pairings
The firm bitterness and citrus character here work well with spicy fish tacos, where the hops cut through the heat and complement the lime. Grilled chicken with a charred, slightly smoky skin stands up to the resinous bite without competing. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda echo the beer's bitterness and amplify the citrus notes. A simple burger with caramelized onions also pairs naturally, as the malt sweetness in the patty softens the hop edge.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by aggressive hop character — typically citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or resin — layered over a supportive but secondary malt base. It emerged from the American craft brewing movement of the 1980s and 90s, taking the English IPA template and pushing hop aroma and bitterness significantly higher. ABVs generally range from 6-7.5%, distinguishing it from the stronger Double IPA and the lighter Session IPA. What sets the American version apart from its English counterpart is the emphasis on late-addition and dry hops for aroma rather than a balanced, earthy bitterness.