Wheels down in Nashville for Craft Brewer’s Conference 2018 and we couldn’t wait to get out on the town. From bluegrass shows to pizza parties, Southern barbecue to rock n’ roll we had a blast at all the events and discovered some of the tastiest, juiciest, and hoppiest creations in the Music City. Check out our favorite three IPA’s currently pouring in Nashville.
1. Homestyle
Bearded Iris Brewing Company
With its hip taproom, sunny outside patio and, industrial chic location in North Nashville, Bearded Iris oozes a cool vibe. Its no wonder Homestyle has risen as the brewery’s signature flagship brew. It’s heavily oated using exclusively Mosaic hops. Light on the nose and smooth on the tongue it highlights the fruity and citrusy fragrances that hop lovers gravitate towards. With a comfortable 6.0%ABV it constitutes putting a couple back and with Bearded Iris effectively canning this popular beer you can justify bringing home a pack to grace your fridge.
2. DDH Noise Pollution
Southern Grist Brewing Company
Southern Grist has quickly climbed to the top of the Nashville beer scene in the short time since its inception. These guys love to experiment and push the envelope with creative flavorings and genre bending styles. Their popular Noise Pollution has seen a recent revival. This time adding a double order of dry hops to its profile. Highlighting Calypso, Citra, and Vic Secret hops, this brew is juicy and explosive with a buttery smooth mouthfeel and low IBUs. It packs a lot of hoppy character. We were big fans of the original Noise Pollution but this DDH version has made a great thing even better.
3. Southeast IPA
Tailgate Brewery
Swinging into Tailgate Brewery you’ll get a big old dose of Nashville. Outside lawn games, arching strings of patio lights, and a taproom with character, the backyard hangout vibe here is strong. From their outside tables you can gaze out at the rolling hills of Tennessee. All this Nashville revelry needs a worthy beer in hand to make the picture complete. Enter Tailgate’s Southeast IPA. Not a New England, not a West Coast, its an IPA style all its own. Crisp and clear, its initial dryness is met with an explosion of big hop flavor. At 120IBUs this one packs a punch with that distinct bitterness dominating the palette. Perfect for sipping and watching a signature Tennessee sunset.
I can’t argue with #1!!!