If you think a big-flavored IPA sounds too heavy in the heat of the summer, think again. One of Ventura-based Surf Brewery’s most recent bottle releases, Shaka Citra Session IPA, is a refreshing beer that’s ideal for summertime festivities. Named after the Hawaiian word for ‘hang-loose’—and that cliché surfer hand gesture—is a light-bodied, balanced IPA with serious charm.
The beer fits in with a lot of current beer trends: It’s a single-hop beer, made with Citra hops that lend serious tropical fruit and citrus flavors and a crisp bitterness on the finish. At 5% ABV, it’s also a session beer, which means you can enjoying the big flavors of IPA (most of which clock in around 7-8%) without getting mondo wasted.
Overall, we love the trend of easy-drinking sessions IPAs that pack wonderful hoppy aroma and taste but go down as smooth as a classic pilsner. Breweries like Modern Times in San Diego and Noble Ale Works in Anaheim are making great examples of this style too.
So pick up a 22 oz. bomber ($6) of this beer at your local beer shop (or visit the brewery’s tasting room in Ventura) and enjoy a glass in the So Cal sun. Surf Brewery recommends pairing the beer with grilled fish tacos loaded with salsa and cilantro. Not a bad idea.
