Laurelwood Workhorse IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with pine resin and grapefruit peel, backed by a mild caramel malt sweetness that keeps things grounded. On the palate, citrus and earthy hop bitterness take center stage, with the malt backbone providing just enough balance to prevent the finish from turning harsh. The body is medium, carrying the hop oils well without feeling heavy. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering in a way that invites another sip rather than overwhelming the palate.
About the Brewery
Laurelwood Public House and Brewery is based in Portland, Oregon, and has been part of the city's craft beer scene since the early 2000s. They built their reputation on hop-forward Pacific Northwest ales, fitting naturally into Portland's fiercely competitive brewing landscape. Workhorse IPA has been one of their flagship offerings, representing the straightforward, no-nonsense approach to American IPA that defines much of their lineup. They operate brewpub locations and have maintained solid regional distribution.
Food Pairings
Burgers with sharp cheddar work well because the hop bitterness cuts through the fat and the malt echoes the char on the meat. Fish tacos with a lime crema play off the citrus notes in the hops without competing with them. Spicy dishes like Thai green curry find a counterpoint in the malt sweetness, which tempers heat without smothering it. A sharp aged cheddar or a tangy blue cheese on a board holds its own against the bitterness and actually amplifies the hop character.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by assertive hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor derived primarily from American hop varieties known for citrus, pine, and resinous qualities. It emerged as a distinctly American interpretation of the English IPA tradition, dialing up hop intensity while typically using a cleaner, more neutral malt base. ABV generally runs between 6 and 7.5 percent, putting this example at the upper end of the range. What separates it from a Double IPA is restraint — the malt and alcohol don't dominate, keeping the focus on hop character without the weight of bigger imperial variants.