Photo by Aaron Davidson // Growler Magazine
Boom Island Brewing Company hasn’t ventured too far into the hoppy side of brewing. Other than their Belgian-style IPA, Thoprock (which was especially terrific in its wet-hop form), their beers have relied mostly on malt and yeast for their defining flavors.
But even the most traditional Belgians have succumbed to the IPA craze. Recent formulations like Duvel Tripel Hop or Houblon Chouffe have provided a fine template for how the restrained Belgian style can judiciously incorporate some bitterness.
Hence, Boom Island’s latest release: Django. Named for the pioneering jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, this “hop bier” is a light blonde ale featuring background citrus from orange and lemon peel added to the whirlpool, and some nice melon aroma from the New Zealand-grown hops.
Django isn’t bitter by any stretch of imagination, clocking in at a mild 37 IBU. Instead, it’s fresh, sprightly, and balanced, with a significant amount of sediment from bottle conditioning. Give your bottle a swirl after your first sip or two.
Boom Island Django
Belgian “Hop Bier”
ABV: 6%
IBU: 37
Malt: Pilsner, pale, Belgian caramel, and white wheat
Hops: Wai-iti (NZ)
Available: Year-round, on draft and in four-packs of 11.2oz bottles.
It’s going to be a busy February at Boom Island. A couple Boom Room events for your radar:
Chinese New Year, February 6, complete with red envelopes, fortune cookies and more.
Noire Valentine Party, February 13, with a special open mic session featuring tales of romantic woe.
Django will have its official release party in the Boom Room on February 20. You can find four-packs in stores now.
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