Independence Pass Ale - Aspen Brewing Co. - 92 Rating

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
The recipe has been an evolution since our before inception in 2008. The name of the beer, Independence Pass Ale IPA was a major catalyst for Aspen Brewing Company. Each brewer at Aspen Brewing Company has helped develop this beer to exactly what it is today. Taylor Smith, our current head brewer, tweaked the recipe and some of the brewing techniques a few years ago to create the beer you enjoy today; a perfect balance of sweet caramel malt and bright tropical and floral hop flavor and aroma. 

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
My favorite aspect of this beer is the balance of malt and hops. It's a big, bright, juicy IPA worthy of approval from IPA's biggest critics. All of the hop characteristics are artfully balanced by a complex yet palatable malt character. It's not too intense, but brings bold flavor to the pallet sip after sip. 

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Independence Pass is the high mountain pass to the east of Aspen and part of Colorado's continental divide, summiting at 12,095 feet above sea level.  Water from the western slope of the continental divide runs through Aspen and into the Colorado River. The mountain pass itself is beautiful, bold, majestic at times and down right intense at others.  All of this was inspiration for the beer and it's flavor characteristics. The initials fit well too. 

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
Definitely. This beer is amazingly drinkable despite being full of flavor and hovering at 7% ABV. I'd welcome every sunset on my desert island with an Independence Pass Ale in my hand. Friends welcome. 

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Yes. Aspen's hoppy yet balanced high-altitude rendition of the classic IPA.

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
This beer was the inspiration for Aspen Brewing Company. As an undergrad at CU Boulder and an avid homebrewer and skier, I often spent my weekends traveling through the mountains skiing, keeping a eye out for local breweries. Before 2008 Aspen was one of the few mountain towns without its own brewery. Drinking beers apres ski in Aspen, some friends and I came up with the name Independence Pass Ale IPA. After that, I registered the business name Aspen Brewing Company with the Colorado Department of Revenue, bought the website URL, and started on a business plan. It's been an amazing journey over the past 10+ years and Independence Pass Ale is to blame. 

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
Literally anything. I love spicy food. From a slice of pizza covered in hot sauce to barbecue or asian food, I reach for an Independence Pass Ale with most meals. Don't judge me.