La Cumbre Elevated IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with assertive citrus and pine resin, backed by a mild tropical undertone that keeps things lively without going overboard. On the palate, expect a firm bitterness that builds steadily and hangs on through the finish, balanced by a malt backbone substantial enough to keep the beer from turning harsh. The body sits in the middle range — not watery, not chewy — with a dry, resinous finish that lingers. It's a well-structured West Coast-leaning IPA that doesn't chase trends.
About the Brewery
La Cumbre Brewing is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded in 2010 by Jeff Erway. The brewery built its regional reputation largely on Elevated IPA, which took a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival and put New Mexico craft beer on the national map. Their lineup leans hop-forward but also includes solid lagers and stouts, and they're widely regarded as one of the most important craft breweries operating in the Southwest.
Food Pairings
Spicy green chile dishes, a staple of New Mexican cuisine, work well here because the hop bitterness matches and doesn't back down from the heat. A charred burger with sharp cheddar gives the resinous pine notes something fatty and savory to play against. Fish tacos with a lime-dressed slaw echo the citrus elements in the hop profile. Aged gouda or a firm manchego offer enough salt and nuttiness to complement the bitter finish without being overwhelmed.
Style Guide
The American IPA emerged from the US craft brewing scene in the 1980s and 1990s, distinguished from its English predecessor by a heavier reliance on American hop varieties — notably Cascade, Centennial, and Simcoe — that deliver citrus, pine, and tropical fruit character rather than the earthy, floral notes of British hops. ABVs typically run between 6.5% and 7.5%, with a medium-firm malt base that supports rather than competes with the hops. It sits between the session IPA (lower alcohol, softer bitterness) and the Double IPA (higher alcohol, more aggressive hop load), and remains the defining flagship style of American craft brewing.