Wine Guy: Circling Back to Classic West Coast IPAs
Wine goes through trends. So does beer. Often the pattern is cyclical: what's new becomes old, only until it's not again. Apparently 2026 is the new 2016, at least according to nostalgia-fuelled TikTok and other social media trends. Good times? Sure. Better times? Probably, at least by a number of metrics. Such were the thoughts arriving on cue as more and more classic, old-school IPAs started appearing on shelves — providing the perfect opportunity to circle back to some archetypal West Coast IPAs.
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Four Winds Brewing Original IPA, Delta ($15.99 for four-473mL cans, #752723)
Granted, the heyday of the first wave of bold, bracing West Coast IPAs was somewhat earlier than 2016. Delta's Four Winds opened in 2013, and they've been brewing well-regarded IPAs since the start. They've now added "Original" to the label of their first West Coast IPA, and the beer is "still brewed with the same love and intention." If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This bright golden, slightly cloudy brew (don't call it hazy, it's just unfiltered) brings assertive citrus, pine, and resin aromatics that lead into a rich, smooth body with a lingering, hoppy finish. Bottom line: A-, Bold but balanced.
Strange Fellows Brewing Greenhorn West Coast IPA, Vancouver ($15.35 for four-473mL cans, available at the brewery and select private liquor stores)
While it may be a new release, Strange Fellows' Greenhorn certainly brings classic West Coast IPA vibes. It's a throwback, with outsized citrus, forest, and resinous aromas kicking things off before a nice bitter kick launches into a robust mid-palate. This IPA stays punchy yet juicy and smooth throughout, perhaps thanks to the unconventional addition of oats in the brew bill. That said, a telltale bold but balanced, grapefruit-toned finish lands this tasty beer squarely back in the WCIPA camp. This can makes a great companion for summer grill camp-outs, whether burgers or tacos are on the menu. Bottom line: B+, New classic.
Steel & Oak Brewing Co. x Superflux Beer Co. OK Boomer(ang) Red India Pale Ale, New Westminster ($15.79 for four-473mL cans, #664233)
Finally, let's take it back to 2009 when Red IPAs were all the rage, or as they say: "We'll have you know that Superflux and Steel & Oak are elder millennials, but we are old enough to remember when no one was afraid of crystal malt. Call it old school, call it a comeback." Indeed crystal malt and C-hops deliver a deep auburn brown hue along with pine, citrus, and caramel aromas. Earthy, almost nutty notes continue, with a lingering bitterness on a fresh, hop-fuelled finish. Bottom line: A, Total taste bud nostalgia.
The Swirl: Bottleneck in Bloom
Bottleneck Drive is kicking off their inaugural Bottleneck in Bloom event, a spring festival celebrating the arrival of the growing and touring season throughout Summerland. Taking place over the long weekend May 16-18, Bottleneck in Bloom features 18 Bottleneck Drive member wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries opening their doors to share their latest releases along with a selection of bloom-inspired activities. For complete details head to bottleneckdrive.com/events.
Read More: Wine Guy: 3 selections to kick off Rosé for the season and Wine Guy: After 2 difficult years, B.C. wines are back to basics with local grapes.
