Downtown Wine and Gourmet Tasting - Ranger

• Name: Ranger
• Type: American IPA
• Brewer: New Belgium Brewing
• Region: Fort Collins, Colorado
• Country: United States
• Time of Year: Year-round
• Price: $8 for 6 pack
• 5280 Review: We like to think of Ranger as a starter IPA. It has all the characteristics of the style, including plenty of hops that offer fruit and citrus flavors and a hint of sweet malt. But Ranger isn't shockingly bitter, as is the case with some IPAs. (In fact, Ranger might not pack enough of a punch for hop fanatics.) The beer pours a striking clear golden color. The smell is grainy, citrusy—grapefruit and lemon—and a bit malty. Ranger's flavor doesn't stray too far from it's aroma. The citrus-flavored hops hit first. Then, there's a medium bitterness that is balanced by mild malt. Ranger finishes smooth—a nice, easy-drinking IPA.
• My Review: This tasting was done in my hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia and at the time they were doing a beer bracket to see which beer would come in first based on taster's perception of each without knowing what each was.  They also poured A LOT more than other tastings I have been to, it was a generous serving which was very nice.  The initial smell of this beer was extremely hoppy but with a little fruity kick to it.  The color was light golden, very pretty beer.  The flavors were very interesting, a mix of bitter, which I expected from an IPA, but also a mix of sweet citrusy flavors.  Not too heavy, very drinkable and good.
• Food: Crackers just to neutralize the flavors of the last beer in between each, nice to munch on, wish more places did this.