Great Lakes Commodore Perry IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with piney resin and citrus peel, backed by a mild biscuit malt foundation that keeps things grounded. On the palate, grapefruit and orange zest dominate, with a firm but not aggressive bitterness that builds through the mid-sip. The body is medium, substantial enough to carry the hop load without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and resinous, lingering with a clean bitterness that invites another sip.
About the Brewery
Great Lakes Brewing Company is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and was founded in 1988, making it one of the pioneering craft breweries of the Midwest. They're known for a well-rounded, year-round lineup alongside beloved seasonal releases like their Christmas Ale, which has become a regional institution. The brewery operates out of the Ohio City neighborhood and has long been a cornerstone of Cleveland's food and drink scene, maintaining a reputation for consistency and quality across decades.
Food Pairings
Burgers with sharp cheddar work well because the resinous bitterness cuts through the fat and the malt holds up to the beef. Spicy chicken wings find a natural counterpart in the citrus hop character, which tempers heat without neutralizing it. Fish tacos pair cleanly, the bright grapefruit notes echoing lime and fresh toppings. A sharp or aged cheddar on its own draws out the malt backbone. Pizza with sausage and roasted peppers matches the beer's assertive bitterness with enough savory weight to stay in balance.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by its emphasis on hops — specifically American varieties known for citrus, pine, and tropical fruit aromas — layered over a supportive but secondary malt base. The style typically runs between 6% and 7.5% ABV, with bitterness levels that distinguish it clearly from English IPAs, which are more balanced and earthy. It emerged from the American craft brewing movement of the 1980s and 1990s and became one of the defining styles of that era. Where West Coast IPAs lean toward dryness and resin, American IPA as a broad category allows for a touch more malt presence and slightly softer bitterness.