Anderson Valley Hop Ottin' IPA
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Tasting Notes
Hop Ottin' leads with a resinous, piney aroma layered with citrus peel and a faint earthiness underneath. On the palate it's assertively bitter with grapefruit and pine needles upfront, backed by a solid malt backbone that keeps things from going too lean. The body is medium-full for the style, giving it some chew. The finish is long and drying, with bitterness that lingers without turning harsh.
About the Brewery
Anderson Valley Brewing Company is based in Boonville, California, in the Anderson Valley wine country of Mendocino County, and has been operating since 1987. They're known for a broad, well-rounded lineup that spans their Boont Amber Ale and Brother David's Abbey ales alongside their hop-forward offerings. The brewery has a strong regional presence in Northern California and a loyal following built on consistent quality across a wide range of styles.
Food Pairings
The resinous bitterness here works well against the fat in a burger with aged cheddar, where the hop bite cuts through richness and resets the palate. Spicy dishes like green chile chicken or Thai basil stir-fry find a reasonable counterpart in the malt body, which tempers heat without competing with it. Sharp, hard cheeses like aged gouda or a dry jack echo the beer's earthy, resinous character. Grilled or smoked sausage pairs naturally because the caramelized char on the meat mirrors the malt backbone holding the hops in check.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor drawn from American hop varieties — typically citrus, pine, and resin — balanced against a supportive but not dominant malt base. ABVs generally run from 6% to 7.5%, putting this example squarely in the middle of the range. It evolved from the English IPA tradition but diverged sharply by emphasizing hop character over malt complexity and conditioning. It's distinguished from a Double IPA by its more restrained alcohol and from a West Coast Pale Ale by a heavier hop load and higher bitterness.