Apex - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

HopChef44

Massachusetts

2.94/5  rDev -29.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I had this one on draft at Rattle N' Hum in NYC on a night featuring Bear Republic brews. This one was not a feature in my eyes when compared their staples I have come to love in Racer 5 and Racer X.

A: Best part of this beer good color, nice 2 finger head gives this one promise.

S: This is where the let down begins. From a DIPA I was expecting a crsip, hoppy nose and it just wasnt there. Slight hop notes, but I felt like I had to search for them.

T: Dissapointment continues. Heavy caramel, malt and sweetness take the forefront here. Again, I found myself searching for the hops I was craving.

M: Mouthfell was good, but lached some of the body and carbonation I was looking for. At this point a decent mouthfell was not saving this one.

O: I would like to say that this let down was a function of an old barrell, but on Bear Republic night I highly doubt this was the case. This will not turn me away from my favorites from them, but I will not have the Apex again. In my eyes (mouth) this was not a DIPA...

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2013 13:52:15 | More by HopChef44

CAMRAhardliner

Ontario (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the brewpub last Friday. Review is from notes.

Pours a slightly hazy gold with a bubbly, smallish head. Citrusy and sweet aromas in the nose. The taste is very bitter with plenty of floral and lemony hop flavors adding great complexity. A solid doughy malt character is in toe. The balance is perfect. Light carbonation and a mouth coating bitterness in the finish. Lemon rind gives way to some sweetness from the malts over time.

This is a great DIPA. Hoppy and very bitter but also a good amount of hop complexity and malt flavors. Great balance.

Serving type: on-tap

10-09-2012 02:30:07 | More by CAMRAhardliner

UCLABrewN84

California

3.88/5  rDev -7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap for the 4th Annual LA Beer Week Beer Festival at Union Station in Los Angeles, CA.

Pours a clear golden orange with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of malt, citrus zest, and some dank, earthy, and herbal hop aromas. Taste is much the same with a slight onion flavor on the finish. There is a medium herbal hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer but it’s quite dank.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2012 03:24:27 | More by UCLABrewN84

dirtylou

Washington

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on-tap, brouwers

from notes

appearance: clear golden-copper body, creamy white froth with nice webbed lacing

smell: some nice floral hops, citrus zest, touch of sweet doughy malt

taste: straddling the line between west coast IPA and DIPA - this IPA was brewed for the outstanding (or unfortunately, only so i've been told at this point) bar in portland. strong floral notes, grapefruit, blossomed flowers, tangerine, doughy caramel malt.

mouthfeel: fairly light, oily

overall: solid IPA - nothing spectacular, but a nice offering from a brewery that tends to nail this style

Serving type: on-tap

06-21-2012 03:44:13 | More by dirtylou

jbertsch

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap, poured into a tulip. Hazy amber in appearance with a beautiful 1 finger white head.

It's aroma was a mix of dank hops, some floralness, and caramel malts in the background.

The taste started out on the hoppy side, but as I got to the middle of the glass, the caramel malts really came to the forefront with hints of brown sugar and even a touch of molasses. Hops moved to the background.

Mouthfeel is was full and actually a on the creamy side.

Overall, this is a tasty beverage, but I wished the hops owned this beer a bit more. IT became quite sweet the more you drank it. Reminds me of the hop/malt ratio that DFH 90 has.

Serving type: on-tap

05-04-2012 13:56:17 | More by jbertsch

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap served in a pint glass

A - Copper clear with a one finger head with moderate lacing and moderate head retention

S - Citrus and floral hops primarily with caramel malts

T - Follows the nose with hops up front and caramel in the backroungmel malt in the background with an nice EtOH flavor.

M - Medium body, medium carbonation.

O - Not much to say, just a solid IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2012 20:44:10 | More by williamjbauer

davewlfpckfan29

Connecticut

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at Dirty Truth in Northampton, MA.
Hell of a job by Bear Republic on this one.

It was dark in the place, but you could see that it was dark goldish color, a brown tint to it.

The thing that really got me excited was the smell. Pine and typical strong hops with some citrus pressent. I thought that this was up there with any great IPA I've smelled.

Overall the taste is good. I ordered a couple more after my first one, and really enjoyed it still. It can get a bit heavy and maybe "sticky" is the way I would describe the mouthfeel after a couple.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2012 19:49:27 | More by davewlfpckfan29

iadler

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Encinitas Ale House.

A- Pours a hazy gold with a one finger head. A few lines of lacing are left behind.

S- Well balanced with floral and citrus hops along with some caramel and bready malt.

T- A nice blend of tropical and citrus hops with notes of mango, pineapple, orange, pink grapefruit and lemon zest, followed by pine and grass and a good amount of caramel and bready malt, which provides some balance.

M- Low to medium carbonation and a medium body. Has a slightly creamy mouthfeel that finishes dry.

O- This seemed to be the most balanced IPA I've had to date from Bear Republic. Nice offering with good drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2011 08:00:15 | More by iadler

jjboesen

Maryland

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This review is based on a nonic pint served (and quaffed) at Alewife during Baltimore Beer Week 2010.

The body is dark amber, yet translucent enough to see carbonation bubbles rising to greet the creamy froth crown; a heavy and gummy lacing persisted throughout this quaff.

The nose receives an intense floral nose that portends an ensuing hoppiness. Meanwhile, down in the palate, there is a sweet mango subtleness that subsides into an acidic orange bite – this all fades into the back of the throat. The mouthfeel is rather chewy with minor malty undertones; however, it boasts a fine all-around balance.

While listed as an Imperial Ale, this beer did not really stand out as one. I did enjoy it and can easily recommend it. Here we have yet another fine one from those rascals in the Bear Republic.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2011 22:05:21 | More by jjboesen

mikechance

California

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pint at a Whole Foods Tasting night

A - Nice golden amber with creamy white head

S - Citrus, grapefruit and pine

T - Not over the top bitter. More citrus and god blend of hops and malts.

M - Medium to full body with right amount of carbination. Lightly oiled and creamy.

O - Excellent. It goes down very easy for a 7.5% beer. Another beer I wouldn't mind Bear Republic bottling.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2011 20:37:26 | More by mikechance

axeman9182

New Jersey

2.88/5  rDev -30.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On tap at the Rattle n Hum and served in a pint glass.

Apex pours a relatively clear orange, lightening towards tangerine in the right lighting. There's about a finger of white foam crowning the beer, and it shows pretty good staying power. Lacing is a bit spotty though. Still, all in all it looks pretty good for a bar pour. The nose has a little bit of caramel to it, and a little bit of citrus. Emphasis on "little bit" there, as the aroma overall is far too weak, and much more pale ale than double IPA. There's a little bit of malty caramel sweetness up front, and a solid bite of bitterness to clear that out of the way mid palate. As with the nose though, the hoppy follow through is just weak here. The grapefruit-y citrus notes aren't nearly as aggressive as they should be. The body is solidly light, definitely on the drier end of the spectrum. The carbonation is just a little bit lifeless though, which definitely doesn't do the beer any favors. Racer 5 and Racer X are just two of the great hoppy beers I've had from Bear Republic, so I was really surprised at how underwhelming I found Apex to be.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2011 03:29:48 | More by axeman9182

57md

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Copper colored beer with a finger of head and little retention. Definite floral aroma emanating from this offering. There is a distinct grapefruit taste with a healthy dose of hop bitterness at the finish. This is a solid DIPA, but not quite remarkable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-18-2011 03:34:33 | More by 57md

Duhast500

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from the tap into a pint glass.

The color is a cloudy amber with a finger of foamy white head and some nice lacing left on the glass.

The smell is fruity with some grapefruit and touches of citrus out front in the nose. There some nice sweet malt aroma that is hanging back but keeping up with the bitter hop aroma that is dominant.

The taste is hoppy with a more citrus flavor. There again is a grapefruit with a little tangy lemon in the flavor. There is some nice sweetness that comes out toward the bitter then moves back as the bitterness comes back to take over.

The feel of this beer is smooth with a tangy mouth feel. It’s a medium sized beer that feels like it wants to be bigger and can fool into thinking it is bigger then it is

Serving type: on-tap

11-11-2011 21:00:29 | More by Duhast500

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.33/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a tumbler at The Tribes.

The Accidental Highway to Hell Tour continues! This stop pours a clear light amber topped by a finger of lightly off-white foam. The nose comprises lime, caramel, orange zest, lemon zest, menthol, and balsa. The taste holds notes of pine, lime, dark toffee, brown sugar, light booze, caramel, and light menthol. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation, a syrupy feel, and a sticky finish. Overall, I think this could have been a pretty damn fine DIPA, but it just comes off as boozy and hastily hopped (meaning it was overdone with little thought to how it was being overdone...if that makes sense...). Shame, really...

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2011 04:45:43 | More by TMoney2591

zipyth3pinhead

Connecticut

3.93/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

This beer is very good! I grabbed it at my 2nd job after my first job! We took a growler home, and filled two Weizen glasses. Good head. It kinda smelled like most other high end IPA's. Very strong hop taste at the beginning. Middle mouth I'de call it piny and citrus tasting. With a mostly citrus finish. Long after taste. overall and excellent beer.

Serving type: growler

11-04-2011 23:05:12 | More by zipyth3pinhead

ColdPoncho

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - clouded burnt amber body minimal creamy white head

S - pungent and earthy citrus and grassy hops. Some nice tropical fruit character also.

T - nice earthy fruitiness. Very low bitterness. Some spicy stuff. A really nice complexity to this. Good flavor

M - a bit drying. But smooth and medium full bodied

O - a really great and tasty ipa with a reasonable amount of complexity. Good.

Serving type: on-tap

10-24-2011 19:20:32 | More by ColdPoncho

lovindahops

New York

4.33/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a- a beautiful hazy golden body fills the glass with a thumpy head of foam. Glowing in the pint glass

S- grapefruit and citric slap of hops that is really explosive with the scent

t- the bitterness is a 9.0 on the craft richtor scale. The sweetness follows behind almost on cue. There is a suspension in the profile where some caramel malt stops over

M- carbonated and cactus prickly

O- apex is a good brew that deserves some more attention. Bear Republic... keep em coming

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2011 19:00:37 | More by lovindahops

Monkeyknife

Missouri

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from the tap a clear deep gold color with two fingers of off-white head.

Aroma of pine resin, grass and light citrus hops along with a a nice malty backbone.

The taste stays true to the aroma. Big hoppy taste of pine, grass and citrus followed by caramel malts. Bitter bite to the finish.

Medium bodied and sticky with a moderate carbonation.

A solid and very enjoyable IIPA from Bear Republic. A must try.

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2011 01:45:41 | More by Monkeyknife

chrisrhoppe

Puerto Rico

4.35/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Damn do I love Bear Republic! Pours hazy golden copper with thick dense foam that holds on for dear life all down the glass. On the nose is a fresh hoppy orgy of floral, pine, citrus and wet sticky herbal grassy goodness. Perfect balance of sweet malt and hop bite on the tongue with the resin piney bite dominating leaving behind a tart bitterness that is like a collection agency calling you over and over to give it just a bit more.

Overall, I love this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-18-2011 01:07:37 | More by chrisrhoppe

ChadQuest

Illinois

2.8/5  rDev -32.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Got this pour at Owen & Engine, what a fine pub establishment.
Pour presents that dark sunburst color with the color a bit darker in the center.
Aroma shows the type of hop character i expect from bear republic, cascade and simcoe hop profiles of strong pine and light citrus notes creating what i consider the typical and cliche go-to ipa profile. nothing unique or special to hold my attention throughout the aroma or flavors.
Mouthfeel is a bit dense and/or lacking carbination and that keeps this one from popping as much as i like from a ipa.

This one is a skip for me in the future. t typical and average to be interesting.

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 02:44:34 | More by ChadQuest

david18

New York

4/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had a twelve ounce draft of this the other day. I'm not sure why Beer Republic needs to create so many double ipa's but I'm not going to complain because mostly all of them are good. And at 7.5%, a slightly easier to drink version.

Appearance is a dark golden/straw color with plenty of carbonation and pretty clear.

Plenty of hops in the aroma.

Flavor is a great balance of hops, malt and alcohol with a strong citrus character.

Great double ipa that you should try.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2011 18:33:56 | More by david18

Ryan011235

Ohio

3/5  rDev -28.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

On tap in a pint glass at the Smokehouse on 8/8/11

Pale, browned, golden amber. Very clear. One finger head tops the glass. Thin, but lasting retention. Excellent wall of lace.

Lots of zesty citrus hops in the nose - grapefruit, orange, lemon and some tangerine. Pine resin, too. Smells spicy. Malt backdrop of biscuit, bread and a spot of caramel. Booze is absent.

Apex tastes totally different that it smells. Hops are very earthy, almost dirty. Modest pine bitterness with understated, nondescript citrus zest. Malts are earthy, too - dusty biscuit and bread. Faint suggestions of dark fruit from the middle on. I swear, it almost has a powder cocoa finish. Starts to taste solvent-like as it warms.

The feel is thin; much too thin for the style. Carbonation is low, making for a confused, unfocused feel. Smooth enough, though. A hint of alcohol is appreciable. Long-lingering bitterness.

Overall impression - a decently constructed brew that just doesn't do it for me.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 18:23:16 | More by Ryan011235

cjoc83

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12oz pour into a chalice at the South Philly Taproom just a few hours ago. Mostly clear light copper color with a finger and a half's worth of dense white head. Excellent lacing.

The smell is grapefruit rind, lots of herbal, floral hops, and just a hint of a sweet malt backbone.

Bittersweet grapefruit mixes with some slight pineapple and lots of earthy, herbal, floral hops with just a touch of sweet malts to balance out this hop explosion. Finishes with some piney bitterness. The hops are sticky and resinous.

Apex is medium bodied, with low carbonation. A little more carbonation would have been nice, to give it more crispness. Finishes dry.

Overall, this was a very solid DIPA. Big hops come at you in all directions, with just enough sweet malt to balance it out. It went excellent with my dry-rubbed prime rib cheese steak sliders. I would order this brew again.

Serving type: on-tap

09-02-2011 00:02:36 | More by cjoc83

Soonami

Pennsylvania

3.03/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Served in a 12 oz wine glass/champagne flute hybrid stemmed glass for $6.

This is a pretty amber beer with good head and lacing. The aroma is grapefruity and orange dominated. The beer tastes funny at first, I couldn't pin point it until I tried to explain it to my girlfriend and she nailed it: rubber. It has this harsh rubbery taste at first that I'm thinking is a fermentation defect, but it could very well be from scorching the hops. With the resinous and grapefruit oil attack from the first drink it is well hidden, but I might be particularly sensitive to this. The beer finishes better with a nice dried orange peel bitterness that lingers for a while and has a bit of biscuit malt flavor at the end.

The weird taste like licking a rubber band did not work for me, otherwise it is the kind of beer I generally like.

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2011 04:38:35 | More by Soonami

nrbw23

Ohio

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Pours a hazy golden orange color with a thin white head. Head has solid retention, forms a cap of bubbles and leaves some really nice layered lacing.

S- Hammered in the face with grapefruit. Its every where on this one. A bit of other tropical fruits too but mainly grapefruit. A touch of pine and sweet malts way in the background.

T- A great tasting tropical fruit bomb with grapefruit leading the way. A great amount of bitterness too, but nothing over the top.

M- Medium in both body and carbonation.

O- A really solid beer. I could easily drink this one over and over. Maybe they'll throw this one in a bottle someday.

Serving type: on-tap

08-12-2011 06:39:29 | More by nrbw23