Ranger - New Belgium Brewing

JerzDevl2000

New Jersey

3.94/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Yet another beer that I picked up while in Arizona, also at the massive Total Wine that was a few miles away from where I was staying. Thankfully, this was one of the plethora of bottles available as a single and I wanted to give it a go before I came home. No doubt that this was one of the more mellow and accessible IPA's that I've had in a while, since it wasn't a hop-bomb and didn't truly feel like a West Coast brew. It was certainly typical of the style and had I bought more, I would have downed a few more in my session since it was easy to enjoy and savor.

The pour to this was a fairly deep amber with a good head and lacing to match. This was clear either, as there was enough of a haze to be seen but not to make this completely cloudy. As for the aroma, it was a bit skunky, but on the level of the Green Flash beers and not a "skunk" like a European Light Lager. The hops were strong on grapefuit and were of an earthy nature. Not a very strong bit here and or burn in the aftertaste while the booze was hardly detectable at all, even though it was certainly present in this beer.

Such a shame I was only in the Grand Canyon State for 6 days, as I would have had a few more of these. This was floral enough not to be bold and balanced enough to feel more like a Pale Ale, but the slight buzz that I felt at the end reminded me that this was indeed an IPA. While not the best of its kind that I had, this would be perfect in the Summer when something just a bit stronger than a "lawnmower beer" would be called for. Certainly, this would be a great introduction to the style for a neophyte.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2013 23:17:07 | More by JerzDevl2000

orcsinspace

Virginia

3.9/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Ranger IPA is a very accessible IPA. What I mean by that, is that it is fairly standard for an IPA, but has a subtle taste pallet that many novice beer drinkers, or IPA drinkers will enjoy. My father, a man who considers drinking anything outside of Miller High Life or Coors Light adventurous absolutely hates IPAs, but I got him to try this and he looked surprised and said "now this one doesn't taste like cat piss!"

I poured a 22 ounce bottle into a mug, and the first thing I noticed was the crisp golden color. Slightly darker than some IPAs. The color is extremely clear, there is no haziness to this beer at all. There is also a nice sized head, about an inch that has a little lacing down the glass. This is really nice, but nothing really out of the ordinary.

The smell is also nice, not really strong for an IPA in my opinion. There is more of a piney, wooden hint than anything citrusy.

The best part about this beer--as it should be with any--is the taste. This IPA is not too strong, but still really, really hoppy. There is a complex balance going on here because the taste is subtle but very sophisticated at the same time. As noted in the smell, there is a pine presence to the hops which I find far more drinkable as far as IPAs go. The flavor is extremely crisp, and has a lingering hint of hops.

Overall, Ranger is a very standard IPA, as well as an outstanding example of the style. I feel like there was not a lot of experimentation going on in this beer, which is a good thing in the case of Ranger. It also has a very crisp quality to it which makes it an awesome beer on a hot day, and I find it slightly more drinkable than many IPA beers.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2013 18:53:56 | More by orcsinspace

laramis

South Carolina

3.31/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

A: most people say this beer pours clear in my case it poured very cloudy still it looked okay small head but good lacing

S: refreshingly hoppy there is some citrus it is a very pleasant aroma quite nice on a warm day like today

T: Similar to the scent it follows the standard ipa style nothing to special but enjoyable

M: slightly watery easy to drink it follows the refreshing trend of this beer

O: this is an ipa i could drink a few of it is refreshing good for hot days and it doesnt taste bad either

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 20:39:33 | More by laramis

Oxymoron

Colorado

4.21/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Pours a amber orange color with lighter hues throughout. Crystal clear with a fizzy head with good retention.

The nose has a good hop forward note but some minor malts as well. A more citrus and grapefruit aroma up front. Some minor herbal and touch of orange as it warms. The malt is non-distinct but a good light caramel backing. Some yeast, esters as well. Rose peddles but that is something Im sensitive to.

The taste is similar. A good hop note up front. A good bitterness balance as well as the malt. A more distinct hop flavor versus the nose. A good grapefruit orange and a touch of grassy notes. Some herbal but more of a ester note than hops. Rose peddles. The malt is more distinct with a good caramel and touch of bready notes.

The body is moderate but higher carbonation leaves some carbonic bite that deters from the astringency. Some lingering yeast notes and good hop presence. Overall a very good IPA with great drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2013 04:39:57 | More by Oxymoron

Philousa

California

3.28/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

Pours pale, golden with a one finger white, rocky head that laces well. Carbonation is active and visible in the glass. Malt aroma is pretty strong for a hop forward beer: white bread crust and some biscuit mostly make this up. Hop aroma is mostly pine with some orange and grapefruit. Flavor follows aroma: mostly white bread until some pine flavor comes through and the bitterness sets in, which is slightly metallic and root-bitter. The finish is dry, feel is middling.

This isn't a great IPA, but I could drink a lot of it. There are better stand-bys, but this is close to others.

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2013 06:57:14 | More by Philousa

Braz

Washington

3.33/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Bought at BevMo in Tacoma. Pour a crystal clear gold with a white head. Pretty skunky fragrance. Taste is balanced but not great. Hard to pinpoint but it just doesn't taste fresh, perhaps it wasn't. Couldn't find a freshness date on the bottle. Will try again soon to see if there is a difference.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 23:59:47 | More by Braz

Hopswagger

Oklahoma

3.74/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

P: Vivacious and clear golden orange body with a touch of off white head that disappears to a thin wake of micro bubbles.

S: Sweet corn, steamed broccoli, pine resin, grapefruit, lemon pledge and aroma similar to a hot black trash bag of lawn clippings.

T/M: Lime bitterness, ruby red grapefruit, pine resin, flower petals and subtle smokiness. Light-medium body with vivacious carbonation. Finishes dry with ruby red grapefruit and hibiscus.

O: A solid IPA that delivers a trifecta of flavor. Fruit, pine and subtle smokiness creates s fm delicious beer to grab for all occasions. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 04:12:33 | More by Hopswagger

PierreCharra

4.18/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

First tried Ranger a few months ago, and I really enjoy it.

It pours a nice golden hue, with just enough lacing and about a finger head that dissipates as quickly as it needs to.

The smell is pine, hops, a hint of lemon and a dash of malt.

The taste is pretty groovy, first pine, then hops, followed by malty goodness and a smooth transition into a playful bite as it goes down, just enough of each taste to let you know it's an IPA without going to far into the bitter zone.

The mouthfeel is about what you expect, slightly watery but acceptable.

Overall, I enjoy Ranger, and would drink one any time I have a chance to as it is well balanced without being too overly bitter.

I would definitely call it a mild IPA though, and people wanting to get into the IPA style could get off to a great start here.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2013 04:40:04 | More by PierreCharra

Bernardkowalski

5/5  rDev +30.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Absolutely one of my favorite beers!! honestly can go good with anything, but you are better off enjoying this beer by itself. it has so much too offer, such great combination between the yeast and malt's making this an outstanding brew. you can put this on my list of top beers.

Serving type: on-tap

02-17-2013 00:22:41 | More by Bernardkowalski

mjryan

Minnesota

4.05/5  rDev +6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A very good IPA. Orange juice and biscuit aroma. Orange peel flavour leads, touch of caramel in the middle with a bitter, pithy finish. Medium light body. An extremely solid IPA. Has a distinct orange fruit hop character, which when coupled with its off dry character and pithy bitterness, really makes for a refreshing beer.

Serving type: can

02-11-2013 04:05:06 | More by mjryan

brewskifan55

Mississippi

3.86/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured into a pint glass. Thanks, John M. for bringing this one back from Atlanta.

A: Clear, golden, with a 2 finger white head that slowly whittles down. Thick lacing.

S: Grapefruit-y hops. Grassy, piney.

T: Muted hops. Light grapefruit. Grainy, floral, smooth. A slightly bitter finish. Not over-hoppy for an IPA.

M: Medium with thick, frothy carbonation.

O: Light, refreshing. Could drink a couple of these,.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 17:22:20 | More by brewskifan55

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Ranger IPA. Thanks, Jeremy!

Unfortunately, this is my only one and the best before date reads '25NOV12'. I imagine this is no-good.

Pours wonderfully clear. Apricot in color with a sticky white head that holds its cap.

Tangerine, pineapple, and sage; all from the hops. A very pleasantly fruity hop aroma that seems tame (from age), but still quite delightful. No pushy malts, as they all stay very pale, and offer little sweetness in the nose.

Still has some nice hop crispness. More of that citrus note from the hops with grapefruit, now, thrown into the mix. Green tea and floral notes in the backdrop that seem accentuated by the forefront tangerine. I can't believe this IPA is over six months old! Some rice cake malts reveal themselves with some light tang. Bitterness is commendably assertive, pretty medium for the style. Finish carries with it the slight breath of alcoholic strength.

Drinks a little slow for an IPA. Pretty appropriate in strength, if not a little obvious. The carbonation is lighter, however, and doesn't drive the beer down the gullet. Body feel medium when it probably is short of that.

After what I thought might be a dud experience, I'm easily finishing off this one and craving a fresh bottle! This one could really knock my socks off!

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 01:40:08 | More by thecheapies

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A-Pours a dark golden color. Misty body. Good head. Good lacing. Looks good!

S-I am immediately attracted to the aroma. It has a 'hard to describe' aspect to it that I really enjoy. Maybe its how the citrus is composed? Maybe its how the other fruits dance across my senses? Not sure but I love how the hops smell here. Really digging the floral aspect of the hops. Lighter cracker malt hangs low, underneath the hop bouquet.

T-Taste is great. All the hoppy flavors come together and join forces. Floral and grassy and piney but still well fruited. Finishes with a very vibrant hoppy flavor. Malt doesn't really get in the way of anything but its there.

M-Sessionable. Love the bitterness level. No booze. Drinks quickly and efficiently.

O/D-I really enjoyed this beer. I would drink it a lot if readily available to me. It leaves a memorable flavor quality that I crave. This one is a gem and I think it deserves a bit more respect.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 22:26:53 | More by VelvetExtract

mfnmbvp

Illinois

3.03/5  rDev -20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

1 pint 6 fl oz. bottle, with the date on the bottle that says November 25, 2012. I don't know if that's 'bottled on' or 'best by', so I might be a little late on this one but that bothers me not. I haven't had a Ranger in quite a while, but it's been one of my go-to IPA's especially being that it's only $3.99 a bottle around here. Poured into a Firestone Walker pint glass.

A - Pours a clear amber color with about a finger of fluffy white head. Significant lacing. Poured a giant three finger doughy head on my second pour.

S - Citrus and pine hop smells prevalent for sure. Maybe some faint malts relaxing in the background.

T - Extreme bitter hops for sure. Maybe some roasted nuttiness in the finish, along with a little bit of a sugary sweetness hanging out. Pretty well concocted taste with a nice 6.50% abv, well-balanced, but simple, and extremely bitter tasting. Definitely a beer to go for if you need your hop fix.

M - Very sticky bitter resinous feel. Not unpleasant, just pretty one dimensional.

Overall, in the realm of very bitter IPA's this beer is pretty spot on. However, it is simple and pretty basic tasting, and not a very complex brew. I think I enjoyed this beer much more before I was enlightened by the taste of highly complex IPA's, and before I appreciated stouts and other dark beers also. A decent beer, and I would have it again, but being one of New Belgium's landmark beers, it is slightly unimpressive, and they have released far better beers.

New Belgium Ranger IPA ---3/5.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 02:41:41 | More by mfnmbvp

welldigger888

South Carolina

4.19/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Huge rocky white froth caps my 20oz pint, a wonderful golden hued elixer that had legs for days with sheets of lacing.

Citrusy hop goodness plays the lead with a nice malty background. Hugely quaffable beverage that seems to be readily available, nice.

Taste follows the aromas, nice even bittering that has a balance to the grain malt goodness. The hop aromas are nice and citrusy and flavor follows with the grapefruit citrus goodness.

Nice and dry, well balanced medium bodied goodness.

I dig this brew.

Serving type: growler

02-03-2013 01:05:59 | More by welldigger888

McStagger

California

3.81/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

A: Moderate pour into tasting glass. Two fingers fluffy white head. Nice, fairly rocky. Good retention. Nice lacing. Beer itself is a beat copper. Moderate carbonation.

S: Lemons, evergreens, miscellaneous citrus. Missing that grapefruit edge that the California IPA's are known for. Still, it's got some fruitiness, with a bit of caramel from the malt.

T: Spruce, evergreen , sharp acidic and that all encompassing New Belgium roastiness on the end. Seriously, that same biscuity nuttiness seems to be in every NB beer I come across. Maybe it's me. Not overly resinous. Hops tend towards the herbal and evergreen. Not much going on the way of fruit.

M: Probably this beers weakest point. While I don't need a beer with heroic alcohol levels, I found this one to lean towards the lighter end of the IPA spectrum.

O: Great, for the price. Solid, well made IPA. Wish it had a bit more citrus. That, combined with the comparatively light body would make a most refreshing beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 08:47:22 | More by McStagger

TheMarkE

California

3.74/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A nicely balanced IPA without excessive bitterness. Plenty of pine and citrus hops, this is a crisp brew that goes down smooth. Great bargain.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 23:21:44 | More by TheMarkE

SometimesIfart

Michigan

4.08/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours clear copper with a long lasting one finger off white head. Leaves decent lacing.

S - Hop resin, grapefruit. That's about it.

T - Lots of grapefruit up front, with a strong malty backbone.

M - Moderately carbonated with a medium, creamy body.

O - Overall, an easy drinking IPA theat would be good for people just getting into craft beers. I'd definitely have another one.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 05:52:58 | More by SometimesIfart

ZachKelly

Virginia

4.23/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Big fan of IPA's. Trying to try them all.

Better on tap than out of the bottle.
Nice color and a very appealing hoppy smell.
Great bitter hoppy flavor. Strong citrus notes.
My one 'problem' if you can call it that is that it lingers in my mouth for long after I drink it. But I really like the flavor so I can't complain too much other than it leaves my mouth feeling a little sticky. Love the hoppy aroma and bitterness. Definitely a winning IPA that I recommend for anyone who likes them.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2012 02:52:24 | More by ZachKelly

bambam2517

Arizona

3.83/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Had many of these last couple years, this review is based of a 12 oz. bottle poured into a pint and enjoyed at 50F.

A - Coppery brown beer with a good amount of off white head, good legs down the glass.

S - Hops all the way.

T - Piney and herbal, bitter and sour. Its hop featured but there is nothing to round it out.

M - Bitter, soapy at times. Has a nice zing to it also though, and a dank aftertaste.

O - In the lower tier of hop-forward IPAs for me, this hop profile doesnt build enough flavor complexity to push it higher.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 06:39:01 | More by bambam2517

JamesMN

Minnesota

4.03/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Translucent golden hue with some visible effervescence and a one finger soapy off-white head. Laces well.

Aroma: Lots of nice hop character. Pineapple, citrus, and grapefruit. A little caramel malt.

Taste: Very bitter throughout which is exactly what I'm looking for in an American IPA. The hop character is interesting because is starts out with sort of west coast tropical fruit flavors and then becomes more piny and earthy in the middle (this is also where the bitterness is the most powerful) and then a healthy mix of both hop profiles in the finish. Some caramel and toffee malt flavor is there to help balance things out but the scale definitely leans towards hoppy and not malty. A lot of flavor packed into a 6.5% ABV IPA. It's aggressive on the palate but not overly so.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with smooth carbonation and good drinkability.

Final Thoughts: Definitely a good IPA and one that I would recommend to any hop head but just not blowing my mind. Would I drink it again? Yes.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 04:55:10 | More by JamesMN

CloudStrife

New York

4/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a tulip. 17Feb13 on the bottle.

A: Pours a clear golden amber with a 1 finger white head. A good amount of visible carbonation in the body. Head leaves some lacing on the glass.

S: Has a nice fruity aroma with a hint of spicing in the back. Some sweet malts going on here.

T: Well balanced yet still a hoppy brew. Has a piney hop to it along with an earthy tone. Get some malts toward the rear but certainly ends with a lingering hop.

M: Good carbonation keeps this one fizzy. Isnt too sticky from the hops.

Overall a tasty brew I'd gladly pickup anytime. Would recommend to any hophead and anyone getting into IPA's.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 00:22:09 | More by CloudStrife

schoolboy

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had my first of these just before going through the Eisenhower tunnel the other day. This one I am drinking is a but better presented in a glass and everything.
The brew is nice and clean and yellow, with a fair amour of head. Nice looking. The aroma is just right for the style. Very hoppy. The Tate I'd also there with a dry hoppy taste. Very bitter but perhaps missing some balance. The malts are nowhere to be tasted and it has a fizzy mouthfeel.
Overall this is a very drinkable aipa.a little strong for sessioning.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2012 02:49:46 | More by schoolboy

Alextricity

Michigan

3.7/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Filtered. Golden/amber in color. A nice frothy head that lasts from beginning to end, and the lacing is very nice.

Smell: It's been awhile since I've had an IPA. It's nice to be back. Huge hops on the nose, and it's not shy of letting you know the style. There's a trace of malts in there as well, but it's a lot of piney, resinous hops in the aroma.

Taste/feel: Meh. Disappointed ... it doesn't taste bad, but it just tastes pretty pedestrian and "safe" as far as an IPA is concerned. There's nothing unique about it. There's nothing that I haven't tasted in other IPAs. Yes, it has that nice hop taste. It has a relatively good balance (though it's definitely hop heavier than other IPAs I've had), and it's not bad at all.

Ranger's an above average beer, but I can name a good number of IPAs I prefer to it. Two Hearted, Racer 5, and Torpedo are a few.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 20:03:45 | More by Alextricity

spark3148857

New York

4.33/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a clear stray yellow with maybe a bit of burnt orange trying to shine through. One finger eggshell white head. Plenty of wonderful grapefruit hops in the nose with a bit of earthiness and pine in the background, well balanced. Taste is more of the same. Grapefruit hops coat the mouth, and there is a nice malt backbone that supports the hops. Pleasantly surprised by this one. An excellent widely available IPA.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 23:21:02 | More by spark3148857