Real Ale Lost Gold IPA
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with citrus peel and tropical fruit — think grapefruit and a hint of mango — backed by a moderate resinous pine note. On the palate, the bitterness is firm but not aggressive, sitting alongside a light caramel malt backbone that keeps the beer grounded. The body is medium-light, letting the hops stay in front without turning sharp or astringent. The finish is dry with a lingering hop bite that fades cleanly.
About the Brewery
Real Ale Brewing Company is based in Blanco, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country, and has been operating since the mid-1990s. They were one of the early craft breweries to gain serious regional traction in Texas, building a reputation for well-made, approachable ales and lagers. Their lineup spans styles from German-influenced lagers to hop-forward American ales, and they remain one of the more respected independent craft operations in the state.
Food Pairings
Grilled chicken with citrus marinade works well because the hop bitterness cuts through the fat while echoing the citrus character in the beer. Fish tacos with a lime crema are a natural match, as the carbonation and dry finish clean up the richness of fried fish. A sharp cheddar burger pairs nicely because the malt backbone in the beer holds its own against bold cheese without getting lost. Spicy Thai noodles also work — the moderate bitterness tempers heat without amplifying it the way a sweeter beer might.
Style Guide
American IPA is defined by pronounced hop bitterness, aroma, and flavor derived primarily from American hop varieties known for citrus, pine, and tropical fruit characteristics. The style sits in a moderate-to-high bitterness range with enough malt presence to provide balance but never enough to shift the beer toward malt-forward territory. It developed out of the American craft beer movement in the 1980s and 90s, taking the English IPA template and pushing hop intensity significantly further. Compared to a Double IPA, it's more restrained in both alcohol and bitterness, and compared to a session IPA, it carries more body and hop depth.