Ranger - New Belgium Brewing

TheSarge

Illinois

4.53/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I love the appearance of this IPA: no haze and has a lighter golden copper color than most IPAs, a tight and clumpy sudsy head, and has great retention.

The aroma is very arid and dry. Floral and grapefruit for the most part, but has strong spruce undertones.

In the taste I'm getting a very inviting vibe. There is a malty caramel and toffee taste upfront, and then dives away from the quick attack of the bitter hops.

For this being moderate in ABV, this is a bit thinner in body. This makes for a smoother and easier drinking experience. There is a lot of carbonation that makes this crisp, with a slight hint of oil in the middle. The palate is left nicely refreshed and satisfied.

This offering from New Belgium makes me want to give this brewery another shot... WELL DONE!

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2010 23:41:25 | More by TheSarge

BobJustBob

New Mexico

4.53/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a 16 Oz dimpled mug.
This beer has a head on it. I'm talking serious foam. Sucking some of it up, the flavour is not unlike a Grapefruit Sorbet.
Colour is a very clear reddish amber.
The lacing is something to behold. It sticks to the glass like that aerosol fake snow people used to spray on Xmas trees.
Aroma is redolent with Grapefruit and Mango notes.
This is inviting stuff. Nice mix of Citrus and Pine tastes, wrapped around a pleasant slightly sweet malt.
The Simcoe Hops are an interesting addition. It seems to turn this brew into something that could be called a "Trans-Atlantic IPA." It has more in common with West Coast versions, but there are hints of the traditional English style in Ranger.
Drinkability is obscenely good. Very easy to polish off a six pack, even though it's at the risk of becoming paralytic afterward.
All in all, a very worthy representation of the style and my second favourite at this point.

Serving type: bottle

07-15-2010 04:25:11 | More by BobJustBob

aeminter

Texas

4.53/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Very pale copper color, clear, bone-white foamy head...very persistent...great lacing
S - Grapefruity citrus, resinous, earthy hop aromas
T/M - Nicely balanced, but heavier on the hop bitter end as expected. The hop flavor is more to the floral/citrus/herbal end of the spectrum. The carbonation is moderate but leaning to the high side. Medium body.

This is an other great offering from New Belgium. It's one of those beers that if you didn't have anything important to do it would be easy to kill a sixer without too much thought.

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2010 23:46:46 | More by aeminter

swede96

Texas

4.53/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a 16 oz snifter, and with an agressive pour the head almost went over the edge of the glass.
Appearance was an exceptional clear light amber with a good 2 finger head and nice lacing as the brew went down the side of the glass.
Smell was a crisp hoppy smell
The taste matched the hoppy smell with a crisp finish.
Mouthfeel was light.
Drinkability was great and I will have another please....wonderful brew

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2010 20:02:35 | More by swede96

Kemmerlin

Colorado

4.53/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: poured a gold amber color lighter than typical IPA but had a huge long lasting frothy head.
S: hops and caramel maltiness but all lighter than a typical IPA and has a different yeast aroma like a Belgian style yeast could be due to the manufacturer who specializes on Belgian styles.
T: slightly bittered hop flavored with standard maltiness of a pale ale. In fact I would call this more like a pale ale instead of IPA. On the flipside it's good and makes this a delicious beer.
M/D: light bodied smooth creamy like feel. Adds to the easy drinkability and great taste and you have one really good hoppy beer.

Serving type: can

02-26-2011 21:05:59 | More by Kemmerlin

bcm119

California

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Light copper colored, good clarity, fine white head with some lace.

Green, fresh hop cone nose, with some underlying bready malt. Flavors are bright, with lemony, minty hops coming through uninhibited by much malt sweetness. The malt profile is lean and biscuit-like, and stays in the background. Bitterness is clean and refined; mouthfeel is smooth and silky with fine carbonation. The green hop flavors integrate perfectly with the slightly doughy malt, resulting in a clean, bright, balanced IPA. Clearly one of the finest IPAs being made today, and from a brewery large enough to offer consistency, value and availability. A staple of mine.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2010 04:58:53 | More by bcm119

Cyberkedi

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Comes out of the tap a clear, golden amber with a fine-bubbled off-white head that sticks around for a while. Rich aroma is strongly hoppy and evergreen, promising a seriously hoppy IPA. Fiercely hoppy and somewhat bitter flavor lives up to the aroma - drinking this beer is like drinking a liquid pine tree. Texture has a strong bite and is fizzy and smooth, leaving a nice hoppy and slightly bitter finish.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2010 01:49:31 | More by Cyberkedi

Cresant

Kentucky

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured this 12 oz. brown bottle into a Samuel Adams glass. Dated 09JUL10. Bright golden body is very pleasing. The frothy-creamy head left plenty of white lace on the glass.

Smell was a nice green, earthy hops aroma. Hardy candy and tangerines. Leafy and organic. Yummy.

Taste was a good interplay of sweet, biscuity malts and bright earthy hops. My new favorite New Belgium beer.

Mouthfeel was medium in body and adequately carbonated. I could drink this one everyday, a very solid AIPA.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2010 13:12:21 | More by Cresant

punkguysc

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

For my first trip to CBX in Charleston, I purchased a growler of New Belgium's Ranger IPA on recommendation.

A: Using the New Belgium tulip, this beer poured smoothly revealing a dark amber color with tones of orange.

S: Incredible aroma. Grapefruit on the nose and in the mouth, with a bitter almost piney hop smell to it.

T: Wonderfully bitter with a pronounced grapefruit way in the back. Dry at the end.

M: Nothing overwhelming, very comfortable.

D: I would love to try this on tap, as it is highly drinkable in my opinion.

Serving type: Growler to Tulip glass.

Reviewed on 04.22.2010

Serving type: growler

04-22-2010 17:37:50 | More by punkguysc

diabecktic

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance:
Head formation is just absolutely phenomenal (~3 fingers). Though very airy, retention and lacing are also excellent; thick white foam clings to the glass after every sip. The beer itself is a translucent, light pale-gold color with a little bit of visible carbonation.

Smell:
As one would expect from an IPA, an oily hop aroma is the most obvious scent. Notes of grapefruit and pine are also strong, and a subtle bread malt can also be detected.

Taste:
Pungent, citrusy hops are the fist thing I taste. There isn't really any spice to speak of, but I can also distinctly pick up a pine flavor. The maltiness can be detected if you take a large sip and let it sit in your mouth; it's present near the end of the tasting.

Mouthfeel:
Other IPAs that I've had are of fairly thin body and very crisp, but this one is relatively creamy in comparison. The acidic citrus and hop characters tingle the tongue, but the overall sensation is quite pleasant.

Drinkability:
Though the body is a bit thicker than expected, this is a very drinkable beer. Given that it's ~6.5% ABV, I can't detect too much alcohol; I'm sure it's obscured by the hoppiness, even though it's not overpowering.

Summary:
Simply put, this IPA is excellent with respect to virtually every facet. Some who make this style can over-do the hops, but New Belgium strikes an excellent balance; several flavors are present, but they're all pretty distinct without being overpowering. If you like IPAs (regardless of origin), then you owe it to yourself to sample this interpretation of a wonderful style.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2011 02:54:09 | More by diabecktic

StLThrash

Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 ounce bottle poured into a pint glass.

A - Beautifully clear, golden yellow with a nice 1 1/2 finger head. Significant lacing.

S - Lots of hops goodness here. Pine, grapefruit, floral hops and definite citrus. A wonderfully smelling beer.

T - Same as smell.. Nicely bittered, smooth and very drinkable.

M - Perfect carbonation. Juicy, nicely balanced, not too thick but definitely not thin. Some (very little) malt character. Alcohol almost non-existent.

Overall - My go-to IPA. Always good and never lets me down. Cheap too - $12.99 for a twelver. Also saw that they sell it in 4-packs of 16 ounce cans now! For the price, can't be beat. Very impressed that this IPA is as good as it is being 'mass produced' by the ever growing New Belgium. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 14:36:49 | More by StLThrash

TeamMathis

West Virginia

4.49/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance. Clear. Pale amber. A lace that lasts.
Smell: Hoppy grapefruit.
Taste: Bitter hops, grapefruit, and malt.
Mouthfeel: Good carbonation.

This has the hop and bitter qualities that I want out of an IPA. The grapefruit smell is so inviting, and the taste follows suit. Basically, it's liquid hops, but not overwhelmingly so and only in good ways. I will get this again.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 02:29:16 | More by TeamMathis

etenbus

Missouri

4.47/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Ranger finally adds to the New Belgium line-up a hophead's delight.

It pours golden copper like a good IPA should with a decent head of white foam. Good carbonation reveals the bubbles rising to the surface.

The aroma is outstanding. It is heavily floral hops and citrus. It smells so fresh that it might be illegal in some states!

The flavor matches the heavenly aroma. It is citrusy, fruity, without the pine astringency. Lots of hops in the sip and the aftertaste. And the 6.5% ABV does not announce itself. This is a sessinable beer no doubt.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with good carbonation.

Drinkability is excellent. It tastes like a northwest woods IPA. Now that Goose Island IPA is hard to find in western Missouri, this, along with Boulevard Single Wide, is one of my favorite hoppy IPA/APA beers.

Slainte.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2010 04:50:45 | More by etenbus

Nerfherderhan

Oregon

4.47/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Now I like American IPA's a lot, and in already liking New Belgium as a whole for putting out consistently decent brews (on par with Sierra Nevada in my opinion), I was excited to see and taste this beer.

A- Copper like a penny, but a bit of a golden tint to it.

S- Smelled a bit flowery and yeasty as these do to me.

T- This is, I think, in terms of the more accessible and affordable, one of the best American IPA's out there. I haven't found any more that I'd probably consistently buy a 6-pack of to keep in the fridge as a non-complicated, straight up American IPA. Its a bit hoppy, has a smooth taste and seems pretty darn well balanced.

M- The mouthfeel was covered a bit before, but yes its quite smooth and doesn't linger with its bitterness too long as some IPA's tend to.

D- I can keep drinking these as long as the one before it is done. Its fresh tasting, doesn't make me feel like I'm going to explode, and not too heavy on the alcohol. So yes in terms of liking a beer that you can just keep on drinking and enjoying in large or small quantities, I loved it.

Serving type: on-tap

04-24-2010 05:10:51 | More by Nerfherderhan

chodinheaven

Maryland

4.47/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Vibrant orange hue with a nice white head on top that sticks around for the duration. Good retention and stickage. Smells of grapefruity citrus hops and some pine as well. Excellent biscuity malt smell as well that rounds out the aroma nicely.

Very well balanced between hops and malts. The hops are bold and bitter, but also citrusy and sweet at the same time. Juicy grapefruit comes to mind in taste and mouthfeel. A good and balancing amount of biscuity malt is present and really makes the beer stand out. Sometimes I find that too much of a biscuit malt is overpowering in IPAs, but not the case here. Very well balanced. Mouthfeel is very dry and it finishes crisp and relatively clean. A little grit in back that only furthers the experience. Alcohol is hidden very well and it only registers as an afterthought. Really just a well done beer, but make sure its fresh or that biscuit malt may take over the character. The hops in this are not to be missed.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2011 23:48:00 | More by chodinheaven

jsanford

Georgia

4.47/5  rDev +17.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into a Pint Glass.

A - Pours a hazy dark gold with a fluffy white head that settles to a generous cap, leaving behind rings of lacing.
S - Fresh and pungent floral hop aromas of grapefruit, pineapple, pine resin, and mandarin orange peel with a very light malt backbone.
T - Moderate hop flavors of grapefruit, pine resin, orange peel, and fresh-cut grass with a touch of sweet biscuit malt and a fairly long lasting bitter finish. Very nicely balanced, and easily one of the most drinkable IPAs on the market.
M - Smooth and crisp, with a medium body and great carbonation.
O - One of my go-to IPAs, especially when it's this fresh. Just a great, unpretentious year-round brew!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 04:32:39 | More by jsanford

washburnkid

New York

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I'm always excited for New Belgium's seasonals. They kick their regular offerings in the pants!

A: 3 fingers ivory head, frothy and inviting. Pretty clear light amber or dark golden. Amazing retention and gorgeous lacing.
S: Citrust (orange) and other blooming fruitiness. Floral, and then balanced out by a toasted malt.
T/M: Very fruity and citrusy. Really bitter hoppy flavors. Lots of zest, so definitely an emphasis on the fruity esters and bitterness. I know the malt is there, but the hops really dominate the very faint caramel. Flavors just pop from the heavier carbonation. Smooth on the palate, and so enjoyable.
D: I'd love for this to be a regular offering.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2010 03:42:28 | More by washburnkid

hoplover82

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-Pours a clear golden color with a medium sized white rocky/creamy head that has good retention and wonderful lacing. Very attractive beer.

S-First comes the hops. It's delicate yet pungent with a perfect balance of floral, piney, and citrus hops. A little (very little) sweet fruity esthers too.

T-The flavor mirrors the aroma very well with a balance of floral, piney, and citrus hop flavor. But there is also a sweet biscuity toasty maltiness added to the experience with an extremely clean yet hardy resiny bitterness that lingers forever. In the flavor as oppose to the aroma, the sweet maltiness is very present, yet balance with plenty of hop flavor, but in the aroma you can't really smell the malt because the hops dominate the aroma, which I like.

M-It has a full creamy body with medium carbonation with a slightly dry finish.

D-This beer is extremely drinkable but because it's 6.5% alcohol I would not want to have more than three of these in one evening. I highly recommend this to any true hop lover.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2010 03:43:53 | More by hoplover82

cal82

California

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

http://www.newbelgium.com/Bear/ranger-ipa

70 IBUs
6.5% ABV
$1.25 at BevMo

Blonde color (a little light for an IPA), but great foam. Great bitterness, but very drinkable. Very affordable for a craft brew. I've also had this on tap at Mission Pizza, and it was even better on tap. Most definitely Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2010 01:04:58 | More by cal82

Yeastcakes

Colorado

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

A - wonderful bright citrus and grapefruit hops with some malt in the background.
A - Nice two fingers of head, a mix of rocky and fine bubbled head. Clear orange-amber.
M - low to medium carbonation. Thin to medium body.
T - The flavor of the hops comes through wonderfully from the aroma with a very smooth bitterness. Malt nicely supportive and in the background.
D - This is a wonderfully drinkable IPA that has the best of hop flavor without the bitterness of some IPA's that just try to be hop bombs.

Serving type: can

05-12-2010 00:32:38 | More by Yeastcakes

BlackDogBrews

South Carolina

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Ah, the Ranger IPA from New Belgium...one of my favorite breweries. I am a huge fan of this style of beer, so my review may be a little biased. I love the lacing that the beer keeps on the glass. Like artwork. Very nice aroma. Taste is quite good. Nice balance of hop bitterness and malty sweetness. Overall a very drinkable IPA. Even at 6.5%, it qualifies as a good session beer...at least among my circle of friends! Seems to be our go to beer for a day of grilling and engaging in some lawn games.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2010 01:35:50 | More by BlackDogBrews

mweso2000

Georgia

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Ranger pours a clear bronze color with a small amount of head that does not stick around. Smell is of hops, pine and citrus. This is a damn fine IPA if you are a hop head. Initial smoothness upfront then WACK! the hop bitterness hits you. This beer has a very crisp and fresh taste with a slight sweetness, and a hint of pine. I forgot how much I enjoyed this beer. Very drinkable and I could see putting away a few of these on a hot summer afternoon. Not a very complex IPA like Dogfish, but if you are looking for your basic IPA to enjoy at a BBQ or with a pizza this is a go to beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2010 21:15:02 | More by mweso2000

u2carew

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz longneck.
A) Pours with a big frothy white head that keeps great retention throughout. Ultra clear body. Bronze in color. Active upward carbonation. This is a beautiful looking beer.
S) Robust floral aroma of dry hops - cascade, centennial, possibly simcoe. Just down right pleasant.
T) A well balanced IPA. The hops and malt jostle back and forth, first with the hops coming through then the malts then finishing with the hops. Caramel. Grapefruit. Hints of black pepper in the finish.
M) Clean. Crisp. Medium body.
D) A delicious IPA! I'd definitely drink more of this.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2011 01:18:44 | More by u2carew

morehoppps

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I could review this beer in one word: exceptional, but I might as well go ahead and go for a mainstream review.

A: Poured from a bottle into Pilsner. Pours a nice golden honey color with a perfect, pillowtop 1-2 finger head. Bubbles keep'a comin'.

S: It smells rustic. I've heard people describe IPA's as kind of a "farm" smell. I can definitely smell that in this beer.

T: Exceptional. As everyone has said, this beer is crisp, refreshing, hoppy, and most of all delicious. You've outdone your self this time New Belgium, this is a great beer. For 70+ IBU's, I would say this is just as good of an introductory PA/IPA, as, say, SNPA, as well as a great beer for anyone who likes an ale with some hops.

M: Light-bodied. Crisp. Not too dry, not sticky at all.

O: This is an IPA you can introduce to your BMC drinkin' family and friends without thinking they're going to have to trudge through to not hurt your feelings, and New Belgium must know it, because they sell this at my local Wal-Mart.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2011 22:15:35 | More by morehoppps

BJA

California

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 12oz bottle

Poured into Sam Adams glass

A: color is golden, orange; very crisp, clear appearance. One and a half fingers of head that is frothy on top; larger, less frothy bubbles make up the bottom of head. Head remains at one finger after several minutes. Leaves sticky white lacing as it falls.

S: Hop Aroma: dank, piney, Malt Aroma: toasty and biscuty. Strong hop aroma

T: hoppy and bitter, as an IPA is expected to be. Very hoppy. Balanced toward the hoppy side but gives me a crispness and lets the malt be known. Leaves a hoppy bitter aftertaste. Long finish.

M: good mouthfeel; smooth, a bit heavy, yet crisp mouthfeel. Carbonation is about perfect. Maybe slightly light because more carbonation could cleanse my palate better.

O: A really nicely done IPA. A thin head remains for a long time and a lot of lacing is left as I drink the beer down. I like the balance in this IPA. It is a bit on the crazy, hoppy side, and satisfies that hop-head in me, but is balanced enough to keep me drinking and refreshed. The finish could be crisper for my taste. For me, this is an IPA that finds itself in my stock at least 50% of the time. It is really enjoyable and drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2011 04:58:50 | More by BJA