Racer 5

[Yankeehillbrewer]

So I was up in Sonoma County this weekend, and had just enough time to swing into Bear Republic for Lunch. I was amazed at how awesome Racer 5 is on Tap. Now I've drank my fair share of Racer 5 from the bottle, but off the Tap, it's simply amazing. Arguably better than PtE. Pretty good little restaurant too, Friendly staff and tasty food. I wanted to try some others on tap but time was short, and the Racer 5 was so tasty I had to have another. If you're up there and get a chance to stop in, don't pass it up.

I did also manage to stop into BevMo and pick up a few bombers of things I haven't had before. Bear Republic Black Stout,Speakeasy Big Daddy IPA, & a Bottle of Mirror Mirror. All of which will be consumed throughout the week.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share my experience

 

[alcibiades]

I'm pretty impressed by racer 5 as it is in the bottle....thanks for adding yet another reason to visit CA this Spring...

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

I'm pretty impressed by racer 5 as it is in the bottle....thanks for adding yet another reason to visit CA this Spring...

Yes it is impressive out the bottle as well. Hope you get to make it out West, I think it will be well worth it for you.

 

[carnevoodoo]

I still think Pliny is better than Racer 5, but at the same time, I think they're two very different IPAs, and there's where opinion comes in! It is a fantastic beer, though.

 

[alcibiades]

Yes it is impressive out the bottle as well. Hope you get to make it out West, I think it will be well worth it for you.

thanks! i have friends in Cali who are constantly trying to get me to "switch coasts"


I've never had pliny, but I understand it has the same malt crispness/dryness that racer 5 has...maybe even more? I love non-malty IPAs and IIPAs, and I can't understand why more breweries aren't producing them.

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

Pliny is definitely drier, and has a bigger nose on it. I do love Pliny, it's what got me going on these big IPA's. I wish I would have had time to hit Russian River as well. A pint of Pliny and some of their Pepperoni Pizza sounds good.

 

[carnevoodoo]

thanks! i have friends in Cali who are constantly trying to get me to "switch coasts"


I've never had pliny, but I understand it has the same malt crispness/dryness that racer 5 has...maybe even more? I love non-malty IPAs and IIPAs, and I can't understand why more breweries aren't producing them.

That's all we have out here, at least in SD. Producing a malty IPA or IIPA here is sort of blasphemy. Green Flash, Alesmith, Stone, Pizza Port, and Ballast Point all make at least one good IPA in that style. Alesmith makes an extra pale that is aggressively hopped enough to make you wonder about what it really is, and it is one of the best ever.

Pliny and Racer 5 both fit in very well with all of these beers. I think people are playing catch up right now. It'll happen.

 

[user 40839]

thanks! i have friends in Cali who are constantly trying to get me to "switch coasts"


I've never had pliny, but I understand it has the same malt crispness/dryness that racer 5 has...maybe even more? I love non-malty IPAs and IIPAs, and I can't understand why more breweries aren't producing them.

I'll second that coast switching - lived in DC for 10 years, but when I came out to the Bay Area, I flat out fell in love.

And if you like beer...

As to Racer 5, it's always been a beer that I "liked" but a friend keeps a keg on tap at home (Hate him!) and I've completely fallen for it on draft. Now I just need to find a decent clone recipe...

And for the record - those who like Racer 5... try Racer X!

 

[MMTG]

I love Racer 5! I have a 1/2 barrel of it on tap in my keezer. its worth every penny of the $149.99 I spent on the keg!

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

I love Racer 5! I have a 1/2 barrel of it on tap in my keezer. its worth every penny of the $149.99 I spent on the keg!

Nice!! I'm jealous

 

[remilard]

I'll second that coast switching - lived in DC for 10 years, but when I came out to the Bay Area, I flat out fell in love.

And if you like beer...

As to Racer 5, it's always been a beer that I "liked" but a friend keeps a keg on tap at home (Hate him!) and I've completely fallen for it on draft. Now I just need to find a decent clone recipe...

And for the record - those who like Racer 5... try Racer X!

Racer X is a little bigger than what I would like to have more than every once in a while.

I think Bear Republic should make a Racer 7.5 or something.

 

[user 40839]

Racer X is a little bigger than what I would like to have more than every once in a while.

I think Bear Republic should make a Racer 7.5 or something.

That would be nice - although Racer 5 at 7% is already fairly substantial

 

[weirdboy]

I am a fan of Racer 5. I still haven't had Racer X, but I'm sure I will eventually see it on tap somewhere.

However, my favorite Bear Republic brew by far is Hop Rod Rye. That is just a fantastic beer. If you like Racer 5 and haven't had it, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

I am a fan of Racer 5. I still haven't had Racer X, but I'm sure I will eventually see it on tap somewhere.

However, my favorite Bear Republic brew by far is Hop Rod Rye. That is just a fantastic beer. If you like Racer 5 and haven't had it, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.

Yes, Hop Rod is excellent, very unique in my opinion. Big Bear Black Stout is very good as well. Bear Republic is just a great brewery.

 

[david_42]

Bear Republic does make a Racer X. I've had good ones and bad ones. I don't think they've ever bottled it.

When I lived in Sunnyvale, CA, I'd take my RV up there with a couple friends for the Sunday Brunch. Always came back with a couple gallon boxes, usually one of Racer 5 or Hop Rod Rye, after sleeping off brunch.