Columbus Brewing IPA

Tasting Notes

The aroma leads with piney, resinous hop character alongside notes of citrus peel and a touch of tropical fruit. On the palate, the bitterness is firm but not aggressive, backed by a lean, moderately dry malt base that keeps the hops in the foreground. The body sits in the medium range, neither heavy nor thin, which gives the bitterness room to develop without becoming harsh. The finish is dry and moderately long, with lingering pine and a faint earthy note.

About the Brewery

Columbus Brewing is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has been a consistent presence in the Midwest craft beer scene since the early 1990s, making it one of the older operating craft breweries in the state. They're known for producing balanced, approachable beers across a range of styles without chasing trends aggressively. Their IPA has long been a flagship product and a reliable benchmark for American hop-forward brewing in the region.

Food Pairings

The firm bitterness and resinous hop character make this a natural match for a char-grilled burger, where the caramelized crust stands up to the hop bite. Fish tacos work well here too, since the dry finish cuts through fried or fatty elements without overpowering mild white fish. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda pair cleanly, as the fat in the cheese softens the bitterness while the hop aromatics complement the cheese's nuttiness. Spicy dishes like buffalo wings benefit from the beer's dryness, which provides relief without adding sweetness.

Style Guide

The American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor derived largely from American hop varieties — Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Simcoe being common examples — which tend to express pine, citrus, and resin. The style evolved from English IPA roots but departs sharply by using pale, neutral malt bases that put hops front and center rather than balancing them with biscuity sweetness. ABV typically runs from around 6% to 7.5%, distinguishing it from the lighter session IPA and the more extreme double or imperial IPA. Body is usually medium-light to medium, with a dry finish that reinforces the hop-forward character.