Caldera IPA - Caldera Brewing Company

rawfish

California

3.88/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Amber with three fingers of rocky and whipped head forming excellent lacing all over the glass, very nice beer.

Caramel, whole grain bread, husky and raw malt. Pine, green tea, and earthy hops hints of pineapple and caramelized onion, very rugged.

Husky malt, bready and grainy that complements the earthy and herbaceous hop profile. More tea leaves, bitter herbs and pine. Dull lasting bitterness that dries and scrubs the palate.

Medium bodied and lower end carbonation, works very well with the flavors here. No hint of alcohol and dries perfectly.

Flavorwise it doesn't wow like some other ipas but it's memorable for other reasons, it seems raw and built for the outdoors from the canned beginning. Balanced and earthy, very tasty one of the better cans out there.

Serving type: can

01-08-2013 03:32:03 | More by rawfish

nUgZ

North Carolina

3.83/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 ounce can poured into a pint glass.

A: Pours a mostly clear copper color with a 3 finger head and excellent lacing.

S: Citrus and pine hops, malt, alcohol, and also the aroma of tea. There's something about the smell that I don't quite like...maybe the tea smell.

T: Fairly heavy malt flavors but with enough hops to balance it out. Nice bitterness in the finish. Somewhat piney flavor.

M: Light bodied with a good amount of carbonation. A little lighter than my ideal IPA but very easy to drink.

O: Overall, this is a very drinkable IPA. Nice balance and good flavor. Lighter than my usual IPA's and the smell leaves something to be desired. A good option for when bottles won't work.

Serving type: can

11-17-2012 17:55:34 | More by nUgZ

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Mixed and matched this can yet like others I am not sure how old it is.

A - Well I got little to no yeast particles so I assume it can't be more than 3 months old. Color is a hazy amber brown with a 1/4 inch of sticky white head that stays around for a while.

S - Smell is mostly subdued but has a nice edge of grapefruit hops. Really nothing beyond that and not really strong either.

T - Well it's not bad the grapefruit taste is juicy enough without being bitter or cloying and balancing sweet cracker malts seem to give it a great finish. Quite tasty,

M - Despite the sessionable ABV it seems a tad medium in body yet still tasty.

Overall this beer seems pretty good probably great fresh. Not terrible old though.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 04:11:11 | More by DrDemento456

kawilliams81

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 oz can into a Half Acre tulip.

A- pours copper with a 2 finger white head. Nice rings of small bubbles remain on the glass.

S- caramel, lemon, orange, some spice and pine.

T- toasted caramel, slight onion, citrus and good amount of pine bitterness.

M- medium body and carbonation. Some effervescence tingles the tongue.

O- ok ipa. Not sure how fresh this is so won't bash it too much. Not a fan of the onion flavor and could use a little more citrus.

Serving type: can

10-03-2012 01:18:05 | More by kawilliams81

FickleBeast

New Jersey

4.2/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz can poured into a pint glass.

Pours a clear copper color with two fingers of foam. Nice sticky lacing. Aroma is nicely hoppy, tropical fruit, pineapple, apricot.

First sip is a nice explosion of hop flavor, with a solid burst of bitter flavor, but finishing clean without any harsh lingering bitterness. Substantial malt backbone helps round out the beer, but it just serves as a backdrop to showcase the tropical fruit hop flavors.

This is a very pleasant, enjoyable IPA. Balanced, drinkable, and satisfying. Would buy again.

Serving type: can

09-07-2012 00:20:03 | More by FickleBeast

Josiah2729

Tennessee

3.93/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Can poured into pint glass

Appearance: Orange with 3 finger white head that settled to 1/2 inch. Excellent lacing throughout, clear with minimal effervescence.

Smell: Citrus and Pine, slight malt aroma

Taste: Citrus and Piney hops, slightly sweet malt finish.

Mouthfeel: Light body with low carbonation.

Overall: Delicious IPA with a strong hop presence that is not overpowering, great beer.

Serving type: can

08-23-2012 04:45:59 | More by Josiah2729

homebrew311

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into NB globe glass. Appearance is dark gold with moderate clarity. Thin white head forms and retains a layer nicely. Tons of lacing is left behind. The nose has notes of graham cracker, earthy hops, and dashes of lemon and grass. Taste starts bready with malt sweetness, quickly becomes earthy and bitter. Notes of pine and wood come through on the finish. Mouthfeel is medium with high carbonation. Overall, a nice flavorful IPA here with an interesting cracker component.

Serving type: can

08-12-2012 05:25:11 | More by homebrew311

jegross2

Illinois

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Reviewing the Caldera IPA from the Caldera Brewing Company out of Oregon.
Score: 88

Unknown canning date with can code "1 813 113162A." This can was received as an extra from a friend just a week or two ago. Served in a tulip glass and enjoyed on 08/08/12.

Appearance: Pours a bright honey orange color that is a like a slightly darker "Blind Pig IPA" color with a finger-plus of soapy white head that settles to a film of head atop the beer. Excellent lacing, retention and cling. Just an absolutely beautiful looking IPA, honestly. 5/5

Smell: Orange-y tropical citrus and piney, slightly earthy, hops. A little sweet caramel, a touch of spice, and grapefruit. Really nice IPA aroma. 4/5

Taste: Juicy citrus, peach, spice, and a touch of wood. Nice piney hop bite. Sweet caramel malt backbone. Very smooth and balanced IPA. Not very aggressive at all. 3.75/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with a low amount of carbonation that lets the bitterness from the beer sit and layer on the tongue. Oily, almost watery, mouthfeel. Bittersweet finish. 3.5/5

Overall: If I had to guess, I would say this beer is just a touch past its freshness prime. Regardless, this is still a delicious brew that I would definitely order again at a bar if I lived in the pacific northwest.

Recommendation: A nice starter IPA for casual beer drinkers. Give this one a whirl if you see it on tap. This was a nice extra, but it is not a beer worth trading for.

Pairings: Spicy Indian food.

Cost: $9.99 for a six pack.

Serving type: can

08-09-2012 04:39:43 | More by jegross2

Hoptometrist

Oregon

3.68/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served from the can into a nonic pint glass

A- Poured a mostly clear dark rust orange color with a two finger fluffy head that sticks around for a little while and left webbed lace

S- Huge grapefruit, citrus peel, big pineyness, some floral notes, pretty pungent and aromatic

T- Big citrus hop flavor, pronounced caramel malt character, some earthy and light piney notes, some soapy flavor, lingering bitterness

M- Light to medium bodied, a little lower carbonated than other IPAs, and lighter in body, finishes a little watery

O- Well apparently it is International IPA day, not like I need an excuse to drink one but thought I would crack open a canned IPA from my new home state of Oregon. I love the aroma on this one, a little lighter boided than I like for the style but this could be a great hot summer outdoors beer.

Serving type: can

08-03-2012 04:00:43 | More by Hoptometrist

UCLABrewN84

California

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a slightly murky dark orange with a 1 inch foamy orange-tan head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy rings of lace line the glass on the drink down. Smell is of citrus zest, slight tropical fruit, and some dank herbal hop aromas. Taste is mainly of citrus zest and earthy herbal hops with a slight tropical fruit flavor. There is a medium amount of hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer with solid aromas and flavors that make it super easy to drink.

Serving type: can

07-27-2012 02:47:33 | More by UCLABrewN84

TheHoppiest

Ohio

3.93/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Snagged this on a recent trip to DC, as you cannot get this in Ohio.

Poured from a 12 ounce can into a mug. Pours a very clear amber orange, with a 1 inch off-white thick head, that is slow to reduce. Leaves a fair amount of lacing around the sides as the beer is drained from the glass.

Has a slightly spicy aroma, with hints of citrus and some grassiness.

Has a grainy malt taste, with grapefruit pith and oak leaves. Has a rather hoppy finish, which is neither piney nor citrusy, but is just simply better.

Has a softer mouth feel you would expect, with almost soapy texture and they dry finish.

I like the IPA. It has a nice hop character which is uncomplicated, and a softer mouth feel that makes it quite drinkable. I also like the look of this can, and could easily see bringing this on a camping trip if it were readily available.

Serving type: can

07-26-2012 01:36:37 | More by TheHoppiest

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

4.05/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12-oz. can into a nonic pint glass at Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth Beach, Del.

A: Hazy and very bright, sunny orange-amber color beneath a creamy and frothy two-finger head of white foam which left some good chunky lacing in its wake.

S: Very hoppy, bright and piney with some spicy, herbal additions and mild, tea-like scent.

T: Fresh, fruity and juicy hops grip the palate almost from the get-go. A hot cereal-like malt flavor keeps things balanced at first, before that tea-like, herbal bitterness creeps back in, making the approach to the bitter finish a bit more mild.

M: Medium bodied, smooth and creamy with enough balance to keep things in check before the bitter finish.

O: A very nice canned American IPA that showcases some of that Pacific Northwest flair in the form of piney, spicy, almost spruce-like and citrusy bitter hops through and through. The 6.1% ABV keeps a strong enough malt backbone on this brew to make it a little creamier in the finish, which was nice to have.

Serving type: can

07-16-2012 22:22:44 | More by Gambrinus1184

farrago

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Creamy two finger plus head, off-white with a mostly uniform surface, slight dimpling, nice retention, almost no larger bubbles, the lacing is wispy yet clings well. Coppery colored liquid, as close to brown as orange, clean and transparent, the bubbles are extremely miniscule and loosely arrayed. Straightforward nose of pine, grapefruit citrus, flowers and cocoa, sizable chunk of peach, apricot, guava fruit scents, very persistent and large in scale with no heat nor burn, just real easy to sniff. Medium-bodied with a touch more foaminess than one might prefer, does give it a pleasingly soft texture. As in the nose keeps it simple with pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine, lemongrass and flowers. Not as sweet as the the scents suggest, has a dry tacky feel. The cocoa and malt provide pockets of relief and rest. The pineapple, apricot, nectarine, papaya fruit somewhat demure but finish well. On the whole balanced while favoring the hops and tart aspects. No problem putting down two to three in a row, good sessionability for the ABV.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 20:35:01 | More by farrago

dannydetox

California

3.45/5  rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

grabbed a sixer of these cans for the drive to punk rock bowling since the bright yellow can looks quite innocent - an ideal road beer. the packaging makes me think of grapefruit soda...

as for the beer itself, well, it is ok. i think i like it better out of the can, but this review is for one poured into a sam adams glass. darker amber color with a decent inch of head that stuck around until the end. smell is a mix of caramel malts with some floral, fruity hop qualities. not much citrus or pine like i would expect from a west coast brew, the caldera ipa reminds me of the english approach. pleasingly bitter on the finish. the 6.1% abv makes this one an easier drink with a lighter body and mouthfeel. good as a roadie if you value discretion, but there are many superior ipas for less than the $11 per six price tag. i think next time i will opt for the equally inconspicuous point the way ipa from local brewers golden road; they make a six pack of talls for the same price.

Serving type: can

06-12-2012 00:57:37 | More by dannydetox

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

3.08/5  rDev -23.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Can from Beer Deluxe. From notes.

A - Poured copper and bright with light carbonation. One finger of fluffy beige head. Good lace rings and a film of retention.

S - Citrus and toffee, fairly light.

T - Citrus, strong grass, some toffee, pineapple. Not great, just seemed standard.

M - Medium body and good carbonation with a bitter pineapple finish.

O/D - This beer was alright. Seemed like a run of the mill American IPA with no one element really surprising me at all. A little underwhelming and plain. Nothing special but a decent enough IPA.

Serving type: can

06-11-2012 06:36:33 | More by tbeckett

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

2.85/5  rDev -29.1%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

First had: Philly Beer Scene Tasting panel with Matt Falco at Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA

I was privileged enough to be on the tasting panel for PBS Magazine, along with Bill Covaleski of Victory and Greg Ramirez of Exton Beverage. This was one of 21 beers we sampled during the session.

Clear orange-copper pour with a thin layer of bubbles for a head. Aroma of citrus and leafy hops, light pale malts. Taste reflects the nose: solid malt base, leafy hops, light and tea-like; pretty basic, but not as flavorful as I like my AIPAs. Advertised as being "brewed with plenty of body." Well, something must've happened between then and now, because the body on this was very light, kind of watery in the mouthfeel. Crisp and fairly refreshing, but lacking in most vital areas that make for a good beer.

Serving type: can

05-26-2012 03:28:25 | More by Rifugium

WesM63

Ohio

3.83/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz can poured into a Bell's Tulip

Many thanks to a great fellow BA, 4balance.

A: Pours a copper-orange color with a slightly off white 2finger head.

S: Smells of pine and hops. A tiny bit of citrus is lingering about.

T: Sweet caramel malt up front, some piney hop bite with a citrus finish.

M: Medium body with decent carbonation.

O: Overall a decent IPA in a can. It doesn't quite hold up to some IPA's, but it's easy drinking with great flavor. Also, It's in a CAN!

Serving type: can

05-23-2012 01:55:09 | More by WesM63

flagmantho

Washington

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from 12oz can into a pint glass.

Appearance: nice orange hue with a moderate effervescence and a tiny touch of haze. Head is a thick finger of pillowy ivory foam with a touch of orange. Nice.

Smell: big piney, citrusy, grapefruity hops. Just what I expect from a West Coast IPA.

Taste: citrusy hops on top of a pretty substantially malty base with a hint of biscuit. Bitterness is big but quite smooth. I like it.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a nice carbonation and a good creaminess for the style. Works for me!

Overall: a tasty and accessible West Coast-type IPA. I would definitely have this again.

Serving type: can

05-11-2012 20:45:51 | More by flagmantho

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I made sure I picked this up after seeing it since I felt like I may have had an older can when I first tried it. But let's get down to it. Love the nose; just pops and carries great hop tones. Very alive. The flavor profile is good. Lots of malts, yes. But the hops really step in there and contribute appropriately. Has a nice vibrant tone to it. I like it. Nice IPA in a can and a good beer overall.

Serving type: can

05-09-2012 05:35:46 | More by RblWthACoz

metter98

New York

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: The beer is clear coppery orange in color and has a slight amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a thin light beige head that diminished to a thin layer of bubbles on the surface and a collar of large bubbles around the edge of the glass.
S: The smell has interesting aromas of peaches along with notes of caramel malts and citrus hops.
T: Flavors of hops dominate the overall taste and lend flavors of citrus and tropical fruits along with a light to moderate amount of bitterness that lingers through the finish. There are notes of caramel malts.
M: The beer feels medium-bodied, crisp and a bit creamy on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This is a very hop-forward beer but it is well balanced so that the bitterness is not overpowering.

Serving type: can

05-06-2012 12:10:46 | More by metter98

dbrauneis

New Jersey

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a crystal clear golden amber to copper in color with some light visible carbonation close to the surface of the beer. The beer has a finger tall beige head that reduces to a thin film covering the entire surface of the beer, a thick patch, and a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Significant lacing is observed.

S: Some sweet malt notes that hint at caramel and honey. There is a mixture of tropical (mango and peach) and citrus/orange hops. Maybe just the slightest hint of pine hops as well.

T: There is a pretty solid hop bitterness that is reminiscent of biting into an orange peel. There is a nice malty sweetness upfront with hints of caramel and some honey-like notes. Then the hop flavors take over, there is a pleasant fruitiness with hints of pineapple and mango as well as just a little bit of orange.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Crisp and almost creamy.

O: I really enjoyed this one and found both the smell and taste to be quite interesting. I think that you could easily have a couple of these in a sitting. I would like to get this one another time.

Serving type: can

05-05-2012 21:12:23 | More by dbrauneis

Florida9

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Orange in color. Very slight chill haze. Forms a very large yellowish colored head that quickly reduces to a good quarter inch of very stable foam. Surprisingly, not much lacing.

S: not very aromatic, but what is there is a blend of pine and earthy hops.

T: Taste is much better than the aroma. Mild caramel malt backbone followed by a very light sweetness, some citrus hops, a bit of orange, and a little grapefruit. Finishes with a mild piney bitterness.

M: Medium bodied with appropriate carbonation. Mild to moderate bitterness.

O: A well crafted, easy drinking everyday IPA from a can.

Serving type: can

05-03-2012 01:22:23 | More by Florida9

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12Oz can poured into a tulip glass

A- Pours hazy orange with a foamy two finger head that lasts til the bottom. A classic looking IPA

S- A sweetness from the malts but this is all about the hops. Good citrus notes mainly pineapple and mango, a little bit of pine. A delicious smelling IPA, not too strong in smell but very sweet and fruity.

T- A lot of fruitiness in the beer along with the bitterness. The beer is sweet and thick enough to keep the bitterness in check. The hops are pretty strong but not not quite overkill. A good bit of pine as well as a variety of citrus flavors. Somewhat of a metallic quality with the bitterness, possibly from the can.

M- Good carbonation, a lot of bitterness that prickles the mouth a bit. Metallic and fruity aftertaste. Full feel and pretty smooth.

O- This is a good IPA that has a good feel and taste and is sure not to disappoint. It is held back by a metal quality/ taste I detected and a lack of power from the hops. I recommend this beer but I cant say its worth the 16$ 6 pack price tag when I can get Ruination or Hopslam for 17-18.

Serving type: can

04-27-2012 01:18:16 | More by TwelveOunces

Srfndoc

California

4.83/5  rDev +20.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

My new favorite IPA which continues the awesome trend of canned microbrews. Pours a nice head that sticks to the rim. Smell has a hint of citrus (pineapple/orange) but doesn't over power anything. Tastes great with plenty of hops but not too bitter. Priced right as well.

Serving type: can

04-26-2012 17:32:35 | More by Srfndoc

NoHipTee

Washington

4.05/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance was light, clear with a small small head which is surprising since I had just vigorously poured it into a cold glass from the can.

Smell was very good. A hoppy fresh scent that was just what I want an IPA to smell like.

The taste left me wanting. Not very complex.

Mouthfeel was also a little lacking. The smell had my mouth prepared for something better.

Not a bad beer. Not a beer I would go out of my way to find.

Serving type: can

04-25-2012 21:39:00 | More by NoHipTee