Modern Times Blazing World
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Tasting Notes
Blazing World pours out a mosaic of tropical and citrus aromas — mango, tangerine, and a thread of pine resin underneath. The flavor is assertively hoppy but not harsh, with stone fruit and a mild bitterness that builds through the mid-palate without turning astringent. Body is medium, with enough malt backbone to keep things grounded rather than watery. The finish is dry and moderately bitter, lingering just long enough to invite another sip.
About the Brewery
Modern Times is a San Diego-based brewery founded in 2013 by Jacob McKean, known for a hop-forward lineup, creative branding, and an early commitment to being a fully employee-owned operation. They built a strong reputation on West Coast and hazy IPAs before expanding into coffee, spirits, and a handful of taproom locations across California. Their beer names tend to draw from utopian and counterculture references, which tracks with their cooperative business model.
Food Pairings
Spicy fish tacos work well here because the hop bitterness cuts through heat and complements lime-forward salsas. A grilled chicken burger with avocado lets the tropical hop character mirror the richness of the fruit without competing with it. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda holds its own against the bitterness and draws out the malt base. Thai green curry is a natural match, since citrusy hops echo the lemongrass and keep the coconut milk from feeling heavy on the palate.
Style Guide
The American IPA is defined by pronounced hop aroma and bitterness, typically built around American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, Citra, or Mosaic that deliver citrus, pine, and tropical fruit character. It sits in the 6-7.5% ABV range more often than not, with a medium body and enough malt to balance without drawing attention to itself. It emerged as a distinctly American evolution of the English IPA in the 1980s and 90s, leaning harder into dry-hopping and fresh hop aromatics than its British predecessor. It's distinguishable from the hazy or New England IPA by its clearer appearance, firmer bitterness, and more resinous, West Coast-leaning hop profile.