Alpine Nelson
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Tasting Notes
Alpine Nelson leans heavily on Nelson Sauvin hops, which give it a distinctive white wine and gooseberry character layered over tropical fruit — think fresh grape must meeting ripe mango. The bitterness is assertive but clean, with a dry, resinous finish that lingers without turning harsh. Body is medium, with enough malt backbone to keep it grounded but not enough to distract from the hop show. The aroma is the centerpiece here: bright, almost juicy, with that uniquely herbal-floral quality Nelson Sauvin is known for.
About the Brewery
Alpine Beer Company is based in Alpine, California, a small mountain town east of San Diego, and was founded by Pat McIlhenney in 1999. The brewery built a devoted following for its hop-forward IPAs and became something of a pilgrimage destination within the San Diego craft beer scene. AleSmith acquired the brand in 2014, though Alpine beers have continued under the original name. Their single-hop and small-batch releases have long been benchmarks for West Coast IPA craftsmanship.
Food Pairings
The wine-like, tropical character of Nelson Sauvin hops makes this beer a natural match with grilled fish tacos, where citrus brightness cuts through the richness of the protein. A Thai green curry works well because the beer's bitterness stands up to chili heat while the fruity hop notes mirror the dish's lemongrass and lime. Aged gouda pairs nicely because its caramel nuttiness anchors the beer's dry finish. Roasted chicken with herbs echoes the beer's herbal hop notes without competing with them.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by prominent hop character — typically citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or floral notes — balanced against a moderate to assertive bitterness and a relatively clean, neutral malt base. It grew out of the British IPA tradition but diverged sharply in the 1980s and 90s as American craft brewers began showcasing domestic and imported hop varieties for aroma and flavor rather than just bittering. At 6–7.5% ABV it's stronger than a pale ale but less intensely bitter or alcoholic than a double IPA. What separates it from hazy or New England IPA is its clarity and drier, more resinous finish.