Officially opened in 1926, Route 66 stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles. It gradually gained prominence during the mass migrations west from the Dust Bowl during the 1930s and the war years and by the 1950s it had become a microcosm of American automobile-based culture. As tourists used it to travel west, it spawned a life of its own and gave life to iconic American franchises like McDonald’s, which founded its first restaurant on the route. 🍔 🛻
Walking Down Memory Lane on Route 66
But in 1956 the Interstate Highway Act sealed the route’s fate as it began to be bypassed by many other highways, breaking up its monopoly on the route west. By 1984 it was officially decommissioned, but the culture persisted and many replacement highways still bear the signs of the “Historic Route 66” to this day. 🚚 🛣️
Route 66: beer review
With all this history and culture, Route 66 is the perfect name for the latest beer in the American IPA series from 5e Baron Craft Brewery. Though at its base a more malt-forward American IPA, Route 66 is hopped with a mix of classic American and new-wave New Zealand hops, including 45% Citra, 30% Nelson Sauvin, 14% Chinook, and 11% Enigma. 🌱
It delivers a surprisingly fruity nose for the style, with the New Zealand hops bringing notes of red berries and currants alongside some more classic American citrus pith and resin. All this is underscored by subtle touches of caramel malt which continue through on the palate, making for a classic American IPA profile despite the newer hops.
Indeed, it’s mostly about the pronounced resinous bitterness on the sip, balanced nicely with the subtle sweetness of the full, round malty body. A little bit of red fruitiness does come out though for an interesting accent throughout and there’s even some Nelson white grape in the finish which adds to the overall dryness and drinkability. All in all an excellent old-school IPA with a 5e Baron twist! 🌲 🍇
Originally from England, Mike Davis came to Quebec ten years ago to study history. During this time he fell in love with the microbreweries of Quebec, which reminded him of English pubs. Now, he holds a Ph.D in History from McGill University, but works in the beer world as the Brand Ambassador for Microbrasserie 4 Origines.
Laisser un commentaire