This summer, we’ve been on a mission to find the best brews around, to be enjoyed anywhere from poolside to the couch. After a lot of careful consideration (aka a lot of taste-testing 😏), we’re confident in our 5 top picks. Here are some thoughts our Saucey team had about the respective brews:
Golden Road Point the Way IPA:
Tied in first for the favorite beer tasted, Golden Road’s Point the Way IPA scored the highest, with a 4.73/5 average rating from the team.
What they say:
“Point the Way IPA is our ode to the hop-crazed patrons of Los Angeles. Its light malt body elevates the pine and grapefruit notes courtesy of a generous hop dosing. At 5.9%, this sessionable West-Coast IPA finishes dry for optimal repeatability.” – Golden Road
What we say:
“One of the freshest tasting IPA’s I’ve had. It’s my local favorite and go-to IPA when I want a something stronger than an ale or a lager, but not too strong or overly hopped. It’s the perfect beer for a hot summer day.” – Andrew, Co-Founder and CTO
“It’s a great everyday IPA, one that I would definitely pair with tacos.” – Daniel, Co-Founder and CPO
Unanimously decided by the office as one of the easiest beers to drink out of the five, Shock Top Belgian White scored a 4.10/5 average rating from the team.
What they say:
“This spiced Belgian-style wheat ale is the pinnacle of refreshment brewed with real orange, lemon and lime peels for a smooth, citrusy finish. The beer that’s always down to chill — and be chilled.” – Shock Top
What we say:
“This is a light beer I could drink at any time, especially during the summer. I kind of want to drink it with a Chicken Wrap from California Chicken Cafe.” – Candace, Retail Success Coordinator
“This is a light beer to sip at home.” When asked what she would pair it with, she had a short but sweet response: french fries. (okay, count me in! 🍟) – Areli, Operations Success Coordinator
Out of all the beers tried, Kirin Ichiban scored the second highest, given a 4.67/5 average rating from the team.
What they say:
“The premium beer made from premium ingredients, brewed for those who enjoy only the finest. It enhances the happy times with your family and close friends. It also enriches your own time to relax or just be you. This is the premium promise delivered in full by Kirin Ichiban.” – Kirin Ichiban
What we say:
“Perfect when it’s ice cold, so it’s great for summer. It pairs well with food, not so much against IPAs, and now I want to drink it with some Hawaiian Luau BBQ Sweet & Spicy Kettle Style Potato Chips.” – Danielle, Director of Growth Marketing
Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA:
Earning an office average rating of 4.43/5, it’s safe to say this IPA did not disappoint. From the initial appearance of the bottle to the light but still hoppy taste, Space Dust IPA is one we’ll definitely be coming back for.
What they say:
“A Totally Nebular IPA. The hopping is pure starglow energy, with Chinook to bitter and late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo.” – Elysian Brewing
What we say:
“Yummy – with a decent kick. It’s a light-bodied IPA and I could definitely enjoy this on its own.” – Suzy, Growth Marketing Manager
“I loved the label, and immediately knew I wanted to pair it with a chicken shawarma.” (We give major props for the out-of-the-box pairing 😋) – Danielle, Director of Growth Marketing
“Perfect IPA to sip on at home or at a BBQ. I want to drink this with a pizza. My top two favorites were Elysian Space Dust IPA and Kirin Ichiban. Space Dust IPA was very smooth and not too hoppy. Kirin Ichiban was light and refreshing for hot days.” – Areli, Operations Success Coordinator
10 Barrel Brewing Co. Apocalypse IPA:
With a 4.23/5 average rating from the Saucey team, this IPA, although not as popular as Space Dust IPA, stilled proved to set itself apart and earn high praise.
What they say:
“IF YOU LIKE IPA’S… JUST GIVE IT A RUN FOR YOURSELF. Apocalypse was one of the first beers we developed here at 10 Barrel. We redesigned the recipe four years ago to make it the most drinkable IPA possible.” – 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
What we say:
“It was different, but I loved it. I can see myself now, drinking this and eating french fries.” – Aaditya Mehta, QA Tester
* we have a trend with the french fries, but we’re not complaining🍟 😏