Deschutes Pinedrops IPA

Tasting Notes

Pinedrops leads with resinous pine and a burst of citrus peel on the nose, built around a dry-hop profile that emphasizes the dank, woodsy side of Pacific Northwest hops. The flavor follows through with grapefruit rind, some light caramel malt backbone, and a firm but not aggressive bitterness. Body is medium, keeping things taut rather than chewy. The finish is long and resinous, with the pine character lingering well past the swallow.

About the Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is based in Bend, Oregon, founded in 1988, and is one of the defining craft breweries of the Pacific Northwest. They built their reputation on approachable yet technically sound beers — Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale remain cornerstone offerings decades in. They operate at significant scale for a regional craft brewery while maintaining a broad, consistent lineup that spans lagers, stouts, and heavily hopped IPAs.

Food Pairings

The resinous bitterness here cuts well through fatty, charred foods, making a burger off the grill a natural match where the pine amplifies the smokiness. Fish tacos work because the citrus notes mirror lime and bright salsa without competing. Sharp aged cheddar pairs well since the bitterness balances the cheese's salt and funk. Spicy Thai noodles find a counterpoint in the hop dryness, which tempers heat without sweetness getting in the way.

Style Guide

American IPA is defined by assertive hopping — typically showcasing American or Southern Hemisphere varieties that deliver citrus, pine, tropical fruit, or dank resin — balanced against a relatively restrained malt base that keeps the focus on bitterness and aroma. The style originated in American craft brewing during the 1980s and 90s as an evolution of the English IPA, pushing bitterness and hop aroma much further. It sits between a session IPA (lower ABV, softer bitterness) and a double IPA (higher ABV, intensified everything), occupying the mainstream center of the American craft hop spectrum.