The Homestead Beer Company creates what they like to call “artisan beers” (actually, they just call their brews “good”). Whatever label you’d like to use, each Homestead beer stays true to the roots, going for flavor over fanciness. Their 1805 IPA continues that tradition, combining the best parts of an IPA with ultimate drinkability, allowing you the ability to drink your fill without falling out of your chair – a tenet of Homestead’s brew philosophy. And, though the chilly winds of Autumn have begun to sweep across the land, there’s always time for a tasty IPA.

The aroma begins with a combination of moderate pine and a crackery, caramel laced malt body. Centennial hops add a touch of citrus as well (mainly orange zest from the sides of each breath) as well as a faint hint of resiny stickiness. A fresh floral vibe pairs with a touch of hop spice, followed up by a growing malt base that contributes notes of toffee and even a touch of burnt sugars every now and then. The bouquet is far from complex and flashy, but it’s wonderfully pleasing and sets your mouth watering in anticipation.

Speaking of mouth-watering, each taste begins with a gentle tide of caramel and cracker malts, immediately followed by vibes of pine, grapefruit peel, and fresh vegetation. A mild bitterness sets up at the front of the tongue it spreads out to the sides, adding a touch of hop spice and a hint of grassy earth from the get-go. As the drink continues, a faint hint of raisins add a touch of sweetness, but by then, the piney bitterness has spread to the back of mouth to counter the sweet notes and end with a tasty crispness. All of the flavors pair nicely to create a balanced, medium-bodied IPA that allows the best of both worlds (malts and hops) to shine through and grace your tongue.

Homestead’s 1805 IPA doesn’t try to utilize the glitz and flash of high-powered IPAs. Instead, it focuses on rock-solid flavors and steadfast control to create an ultra-tasty brew. With each drink, you’ll be able to taste the intricacies of both malts and hops, and with a 6% ABV, you can enjoy as many as you’d like. So go ahead, pick up a sixer and enjoy a bottle or three. The only outcome will be a good time.