Azacca IPA
Diamond Knot Craft Brewing, Mukilteo
Style: Single-hop IPA
Stats: 6.5-percent ABV, 40 IBU
Available: On tap at all three DK locations; 22-ounce bottles at Total Wine &More locations and all DK locations.
My thoughts: The Diamond Knot brewhouse is churning out a lot of new beers lately, including this perfect “shoulder” beer.
That’s how Diamond Knot brand events coordinator Barry Blevins referred to the brewery’s Azacca IPA. Light and fruity like the spring … though one could be confused by our current spring conditions. Also Diamond Knot already has Binnacle, its official summer beer, so spring was lonely.
Made with a light base malt bill, the single-hop IPA was dry-hopped with the experimental hop — named after the Haitian god of agriculture — making it a light, tropical and refreshing experience. At 40 IBU, it’s barely an IPA.
The label art was drawn by Whidbey Island artist Dave Gignac. The Azacca IPA was released on April 4 and will likely be available through May.
The Azacca IPA is just one of a number of new beers Diamond Knot is pouring. The brewery released four others in celebration of New Beer’s Eve on April 7. Diamond Knot does something special on that day to commemorate the day before the repealing of Prohibition in 1933.
Diamond Knot released four beers:
The 727 IPA, which is brewed with Idaho-7 and experimental 07270 hops
Cascadian Golden IPA, brewed with Cascade hops and Golden malt bill
Belgian-style Dubbel, a true-to-style dubbel
Citrus IPA, brewed with orange and lime zest
“We got the green light to dive into experimenting with fun new beers,” said Brian Guerrant, Diamond Knot’s production manager in a press release. “It’s exciting for the brewers to try new things and be creative. We are all looking forward to sharing these beers with our fans.”
Those four beers won’t last long, so hurry and visit one of Diamond Knot’s three locations if you want to try them.
If they aren’t on tap, try two other beers I had the fortune of tasting when I paid DK’s production brewery a visit last week. The New Zealand Pale Ale is made with three New Zealand hops, including Southern Cross and Pacifica, and a new Diamond Knot pale ale that is dry-hopped with Mosaic and Cascade hops. Both pale ales are unique.
Blevins said part of the new experimentation can be traced to an infusion of new brewery staff, including two hires of former Red Hook staff: Randall Pierce II, brewer, and Dave Hjelm, cellarman.
From the brewery: This beer pours rich golden in color with a slight dry hop haze. There is the aroma of sweet honeydew that leads to the tropical flavors of papaya and mango. This is a full-bodied IPA paired with a clean finish and lingering floral notes.
More new releases
Backyard Belgian, Lake Stevens Brewing: Floral, spicy and complex, this Belgian strong ale is built with Hallertau hops and candied with sugar and juniper berries. Available on tap at the brewery.
Citizen Z Pale Ale, 5 Rights Brewing: The third installment in the Z Nation series is an ale centered on HBC’s Experimental Hop 431, giving it flavors of peach, berry and tropical fruit. Available on tap at the brewery and NYP Everett.
Chief Lightfoot, Foggy Nogging Brewing: This Irish red ale has a smooth, rounded malt backbone, matched with a hint of dry bitter finish. Available on tap at the brewery and select taprooms.
Amber Ale, Scrappy Punk Brewing: Easy drinking light amber ale. Available on tap at the brewery.
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