Pelican Umbrella IPA
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Tasting Notes
This beer leads with citrus and tropical fruit aromas — think grapefruit peel, tangerine, and a thread of pine resin. On the palate, the hop bitterness is assertive but not aggressive, balanced by a firm malt backbone that keeps it from going bone dry. The body sits in the medium range, giving it enough weight to carry the hop load without becoming heavy. The finish is moderately bitter and lingers with a faint piney quality.
About the Brewery
Pelican Brewing is based on the Oregon coast, with its original location in Pacific City and additional spots in Cannon Beach and Tillamook. Founded in 1996, the brewery has built a strong reputation for award-winning beers, particularly its Kiwanda Cream Ale and Tsunami Stout. They operate as a brewpub chain tightly connected to the Oregon coastal identity and have accumulated serious hardware at national and international brewing competitions over the years.
Food Pairings
Burgers with sharp cheddar work well because the hop bitterness cuts through the fat while the malt holds its own against the beef. Spicy fish tacos find a natural counterpart in the citrus-forward hop character, which echoes lime and brightens the heat rather than fighting it. A grilled chicken sandwich with avocado and pickled onion plays to the beer's tropical and citrus notes. Aged gouda makes a surprisingly solid match — its caramel and nutty qualities bridge the malt side while the salt plays off the bitterness.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by prominent hop character — bitterness, aroma, and flavor — derived primarily from American hop varieties known for citrus, pine, and tropical fruit profiles. The style emerged from the broader IPA tradition but diverged significantly from its British ancestor by dialing up hop intensity and using cleaner, more neutral yeast strains that let the hops dominate. Malt is present enough to provide structure but stays subordinate to hops. At 7%, this example sits comfortably in the middle of the style's typical range, distinguishing it from session IPAs on the lower end and double IPAs above.