Hopstache and Woj’s Dirty 30

So every couple weeks, we sit you down to read a little diddy about our most recent beer release, and this week is no exception. As we type this, one of our most highly anticipated brews, Hopstache is making its way to store shelves. We’d say that this beer really needs no introduction, it’s n “American IPA amplified with real grapefruit intensity,” a style we pretty much all know and love. But the story behind the name of this particular brew is just too good not to share. So today, we give you the story of Hopstache and the Dirty Thirty Mustache Party and Pig Roast.

It was the spring of 2010 and our trusty Beer Liberation Specialist, Jon “Woj” Wojtowicz was preparing to celebrate a personal milestone; his 30th birthday. In the spirit of self indulgence, it was decided that a party would be thrown and appropriately themed as a “Dirty 30 Mustache Party and Pig Roast.”

As you can guess, a requirement of the gala was that all attending, if possible, should grow the appropriate facial hair and adorn it on the day of the festivities. Joe, always one to get into the spirit of things, took on this regal requirement and decided to grow his first official mustache. Knowing that this would take some time, Joe began growing his mustache almost 2 months prior to the event!  Attending many meetings with an array of important people, Joe toughed it out until the day of the party where he displayed a mustache that would have made facial hair aficionado proud. After the party, Joe promptly shaved off his inaugural stache, placed it in a sealed envelope, and presented to Woj as an official birthday present.  

So what does it taste like? Hopstache (5.7% ABV – 85 IBU) typifies the boldness that comes from American hop varieties. The aroma is dominated by fruity ale yeast esters and fragrant grapefruit tones. Initial malt sweetness is low, and citrus fruit and floral hop qualities overpower any other perceived flavors. Aided by the addition of grapefruit zest, the finish is a sharp hop shock that electrifies the mouth, but is not overly bitter.

So now you know! Feel informed? You should because that really happened. Now we’re just up here waiting and hoping that Woj’s 40th birthday party will inspire an equally awesome brew.

Michigan friends, get your Hopstache this week!

IMG_6488

Above: Historic photos from THE Dirty Thirty Mustache Party and Pig Roast.