PORTLAND, Ore. – It’s a new year, which means it’s time for spring seasonals in the craft beer world. Widmer Brothers Brewing today announced the release of its spring offering, a hoppy lager called Hopside Down India Pale Lager (IPL). This is the third release of Hopside Down, the second year as the brewery’s spring seasonal, and before that, the best-selling release in the Rotator IPA Series.
Hopside Down IPL combines the best of both worlds: the hoppiness of a traditional IPA, with the clean character and finish of a cold-fermented lager. The approachable style captures the essence of spring with a blend of a crisp lager and the hoppy aroma and flavor of an IPA.
“Spring is a really interesting season in the beer industry,” said Rob Widmer, co-founder of Widmer Brothers. “There are no clear parameters in the spring, and you’ll see a wide variety of seasonal styles from different brewers – from porters and dark lagers to saisons and IPAs. We feel like Hopside Down IPL does a great job of representing the season as a hybrid of styles. The beer is a crisp lager with a bready malt heft, a moderate ABV, and big floral hop aroma and flavor.”
The official launch party for Hopside Down IPL will take place at the Widmer Brothers Brewery and Pub in North Portland on January 14, 2016. The party runs from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and will feature Hopside Down being poured side-by-side with fresh-hop infused Hopside Down, which will be running through Randalls filled with different hop varietals. Partygoers will be able to try these different varieties to taste the effects of different types of hops on the base beer.
Hopside Down IPL also received a new package design this year to better align with the core beers in Widmer Brothers’ line up. The beer is now available across the country on-draught and in six- and 12-packs, as well as in Widmer Brothers’ variety 12-pack.
For more information on Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit widmerbrothers.com or see what the brewery is up to on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Hopside Down IPL
We’re turning things deliciously upside down with an aggressively hopped, cold-fermented brew that brings together the clean, crisp finish of a lager with the hoppy aroma and character of an IPA. Prost! To turning convention on its head.
- MALTS: Caramel 10L, Pale
- HOPS: Alchemy for bittering, and Cascade for aroma
- OG: 15.0 P
- AE: 2.5 P
- ABV: 6.7%
- Color: 8.0 L
- IBU: 50
About Widmer Brothers Brewing
Founded in 1984, Widmer Brothers Brewing is celebrating 30 years of beer in 2014 and into 2015. Founders Kurt and Rob Widmer helped lead the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when, in their 20s, they began brewing unique interpretations of traditional German beer styles. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the original American-style Hefeweizen, which elevated the brewery to national acclaim. Since then, Hefe has grown to become Oregon’s favorite craft beer and the brewery has continued to push the boundaries, developing a variety of beers with an unapologetic, uncompromised commitment to innovation.
Based in Portland, Ore., the brewery currently brews a variety of award-winning beers including Hefe, Upheaval IPA, Alchemy Pale Ale, Drop Top Amber Ale, a full seasonal lineup, and a series of limited edition beers. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmerbrothers.com.