Racer 5 India Pale Ale - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

deebo

Minnesota

2.91/5  rDev -31%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

A-clear and golden with an oily surface
S-hops. Citrus and pine
T-very hop forward. Pine and grass this bitch is bitter
M-nice body fairly smooth given the in your face hop character
O-a in your face beer that loosens up after a few drinks but still is resiny and bitter in the finish that limits its drinkability

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2013 05:00:28 | More by deebo

BlurryVisi0n

New York

4.1/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Served in a pint.

Appearance: not quite amber more like a yellowish amber. Heavy bubbles on the body with a white head that is about 1/4" off the body.

Smell: Grapefruit feel, light floral scent.

Taste: of course it's bitter so if that's not your thing leave it alone. Piney almost like a tree bark type of feel.

Mouth: crisp toasty after taste. You feel bitterness that lingers against your cheeks complimented with citrus grapefruit.

Overall: this is a really good brew, and my first time having it on tap grab a glass as appreciate what real beer is supposed to be like. Salud!

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2012 00:41:23 | More by BlurryVisi0n

merc7186

New York

4.4/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at MacGregors on tap, poured into an 11oz glass.

A: Mildly Hazy Golden Straw Hue, Passes Most Light, Thick White Head, Great Lacing

S: Resin, Floral, Biscuits

T: Grapefruit Rind, Resin, Biscuits

M: Great Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Mildly Bitter, Mildly Drying

Overall, the pinnacle of a common IPA that other beers should strive to be like.

Serving type: on-tap

11-06-2012 22:48:42 | More by merc7186

alkemy

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This time I'm finally getting it on tap. Kind of a dirty straw/honey golden color. More clarity out of the tap than out of the bottle. Creamy just off-white head. More of a floral hops for me. This time the citrus and pineapple reveal themselves. I didn't notice this with bottles, but this keg was freshly tapped and obviously had never seen sunlight. Hops are also more prevalent. Malts seemed to ride in the backseat where they belong. I get some grapefruit on the back end along with an odd hint of vanilla. Felt nice in the mouth. Although this has let me down out of the bottle, the fresh draft was very good. I'd have to give this a Rachel Ray Yum-O.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2012 02:33:48 | More by alkemy

Sal_Paradise

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had this a ton of times, but I guess this is the time I'm going to actually review it. On draft at a local bar in western, MA.
Apppearance: Pours hazy orange with a white head which quickly dissipates. I've actually always thought of this as a golden IPA...but the lighting in here isn't that grate either...I think this bar probably goes through a beer like this at a moderate pace, so it's not super fresh, but still very good.

Smell: LIght grapefruit smell, floral, yeasty (almost like sourdough)

Taste: As almost every other time i've had this it is really a grate all around balanced ipa. Initially good grapefuit taste, well balanced malt in the middle and a slight hint of acidity/bitterness at the end. I would love to try one of these that was super fresh...I think it would likely be much more assertive.

Mouthfeel/Overall: Sometimes these are just too easy to drink...at 7% that can be dangerous, but it is tasty. This is a perfect summer time IPA. Light in body yet tasty, closer to an american pale ale i think. Differing from someone like sierra pale in a good way with more citrusy/floral hops.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2012 00:46:02 | More by Sal_Paradise

PorterLambic

Florida

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Arrives a clear dark golden color with a small white head. No real retention though the lacing is great.
Smell is evergreen hops, slight malt and some citrus. Balance is alright.
Taste is malty, restrained hops (especially for a west coast US IPA), piney, some alcohol presence. Decently balanced.
Nearly full-bodied, lightly effervescent, warming and smoothish. Overall, a very good beer, one I would gladly do again.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2012 02:44:49 | More by PorterLambic

kylehay2004

Florida

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

A: single finger head with awesome lacing on a clear bright golden body.

S: Grains and pale malts with citrus and earthy hops.

T: earthy and citrus hops throughout which are tart. Caramel malts form a nice base. A slight burnt toast character to this one.

M: lighter side of medium body and moderate carbonation.

Overall: this one is very nicely balanced. The hop character is not all that complex but it's still good.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2012 02:22:39 | More by kylehay2004

TheRealBigC

Nevada

4.13/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Finally got a pint of this. Pours a brilliant golden orange with sticky head. Hops abound in typical IPA fashion. Nicely balanced too. It's an IPA at its most basic, but it's done to near-perfection. Hoppy, but balanced. Strong, but not too strong. Can't complain! It's a really solid IPA that makes for a great go-to beer at the bar or with dinner.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2012 21:01:40 | More by TheRealBigC

VinoBeer

Australia

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Fantastic on draught.... much better than the stale imported version at home. Big peach and citrus nose with a strong but not overpowering bitterness in the mouth. Very, very drinkable.
Looked great, smelled great, tasted great. The quest for the perfect Ipa still continues though..

Serving type: on-tap

08-18-2012 21:39:08 | More by VinoBeer

cfrances33

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Monk's Cafe in Philly on 7/3/12. Poured into a shaker pint.

Pour: Deep gold with a finger and a half of bubbly white head. Head dissipates to a ring with some residual fizz. Spectacular lacing.

Smell: Grapefruit and caramel malts dominate. Maybe a little pine, but not substantial.

Taste: More grapefruit and caramel. Some honey in there too. Good flavor profile, but not extraordinary.

Mouthfeel: Pretty light and goes down very easily.

Overall: A very solid IPA. If I could get fresh more often, I'd buy it more often. This beer screams for cans and the beach.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 21:59:35 | More by cfrances33

T100Mark

California

3.65/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A "full pour" at the brewery.

Appearance - A little bit hazy/opaque. Not much head. Good (but not great) lace. Surprisingly pale.

Smell - Big hop hit! Orange peel.

Taste - Hoppy (obviously). Citrus. Tart. Clean.

Mouth - Wow! Tingly.

Overall - A bit much for me. I wouldn't call it balanced. This ale is so crisp it reminded me of Listerine.

Serving type: on-tap

06-13-2012 03:23:42 | More by T100Mark

plaid75

New York

4.48/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On draft at Hurricane Grill, Syosset, New York.

Poured a suprisingly light copper hue with a one ginger foamy white head. There was good retention and lacing.

The smell featured a strong peppery hop and grainy malt.

The taste was full blown pepper hops with a moderate earthy sweetness.

The mouthfeel was toward the lighter side of the style considering the ABV.

Overall a superior IPA.

Serving type: on-tap

05-17-2012 22:41:05 | More by plaid75

ThomasMetal75

Massachusetts

3.78/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A- Orangy copper body with a one finger head. Good amount of lacing on the glass! Not too carbonated.

S- Hops! Piney hop smell. A little orange zest. Nothing was pungent about the smell.

T- Piney hops. The hops in the brewing process include Cascade and Centennial, so being piney in taste is no surprise. The hop bitterness is at 75+ IBUs according to Bear Republic's site. Also the beer has a peppery spice. The hop bitterness hits hard initially. As soon as that hop bitterness comes along, it fades! The finish is not bitter at all. Quite frankly, it finishes dry, leaving your mouth wanting more. Exceptional for an IPA!

M- Bear Republic describes the beer as being full-bodied, but I think it's defiantly a medium body and feel. Not too heavy, but nothing that allows the beer to be gulped!

Overall this was a wonderful IPA. I normally shy away from IPA's because they can be almost too intense with the hop bitterness, but this beer got out of the way quick enough for the bitterness to be pleasant. I would drink this IPA anytime I'm in the mood for a hoppy beer.

Serving type: on-tap

05-07-2012 05:09:05 | More by ThomasMetal75

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.48/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap @ Nimbus American Bistro & Brewery in Scottsdale, AZ.

A: Golden-yellow. White head. Good looking IPA.

S: Strong American hops. Dry citrus stands out. Mellow malt.

T: Balanced American hops. Heavy on pine and citrus. Good malt at the back.

M: Carbonation is perfect. Smooth. Easy to drink.

O: Awesome IPA. One of the standards for the style.

Serving type: on-tap

04-23-2012 23:25:38 | More by Gatch

dejrrma

Georgia

4.03/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

8 oz for $4.75, served in snifter at the Porter Beer Bar. Reviewed on 3.9.12.

a- pours an amber orange color, very bright, with a a finger of head, and good lacing.

b- immediate honey. honey all the way. some hops. caramel, a seriously amazing smelling beer.

t- light and hoppy. subtle citrus flavors, mainly sweet orange. perhaps some guava. but there's lots of honey, with a noticeable malt background. not nearly as bitter as i'd like or expected, but still good.

m- lower carbonation than i expected. light and refreshing.

o- solid ipa. glad i got a chance to try it (i don't think bear republic distributes to georgia). i expected something much more like port's mongo, though.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2012 04:13:41 | More by dejrrma

Labeerfinder

4.23/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Amber color,Medium sized off white head that lasted for a decent amount of time before fading to a nice lace.The aroma was malty and sort of sweet with a nice citrusy side and piney tones to it.The flavor was much the same malty and very hoppy with a nice fruit side to it,slightly heavy feel in the mouth.

Serving type: on-tap

03-06-2012 16:33:22 | More by Labeerfinder

BillH200174

California

4.5/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a slightly hazy amber-orange with a tight, thick off-white head. The Columbus aromatic hops come through nicely, but a bit restrained, resulting in a fragrant pine needle and spice nose with just a touch of citrus. Mouthfeel was creamy and full with a subdued carbonation level. Initial flavor was a well balanced presentation of orange, grapefruit, sweet caramel.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2012 17:24:29 | More by BillH200174

nrs207

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap and served in a pint glass.

A - It was a golden yellow color. Lighter than many other IPAs I've had. Pretty good looking overall.

S - Bitter hops. From the smell, I was thinking this is going to be pretty hop forward with bitterness and pine.

T - Just like the smell. It's got a pretty high level of bitterness, but that is how I like my IPAs. Not overwhelming at all, and I've certainly had much more bitter. It just has a light malt backbone. Pretty tasty overall, but nothing too memorable.

M - Pretty carbonated. Between the carbonation and the bitterness, this beer really wakes up the palate. It's not necessarily too high, however. It's a good mouthfeel, just not excellent.

O - I feel like this is a standard west coast IPA. Nothing memorable about the flavors, but they are well done. It's an above average brew, but it does nothing for me to seek it out again and again over some of the more memorable IPAs I've had. Definitely give it a try, you may think differently. There certainly is nothing wrong with this beer, and if you enjoy west coast IPAs, you'll most likely enjoy this too.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2012 06:31:11 | More by nrs207

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Sunset in a tuli- poured a clear golden/copper color with minimal head, very minimal retention, and some very nice streaky lacing.

Smells of piney hops. A little resiny.

Tastes great- not too bitter but bitter enough and a nice round hop flavor. Pale malt throughout along with a lot of pine hops.

Mouthfeel is nice- not too carbonated but good enough with a light body. Very drinkable ipa- one of the better ones.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2012 01:49:56 | More by Hopdaemon39

Dave1999

Virginia

4.75/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Came a cloudy yellow with a thin white head, typical IPA look.

Smelled of grapefruits and hops not over powering but good.

Taste was that of one of the best IPA's I have tried. It had the hops and malts just tasted really great and really well balanced.

The mouth feel was very smooth with a little carbonation.

This is one great iIPA, it does all the standard IPA things just extremely well. This has to be one of my favourite IPA's.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2012 19:15:38 | More by Dave1999

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap served in a pint glass

A - Clear golden with one finger white head with moderate lacing and moderate head retention.

S - A lot of citrus hops a little pine and sweet malt.

T - Follows the smell, great hop balance with a nice initial sweetness with a great dry bitter finish.

M - Medium body, moderate carbonation.

O - A fantastic IPA!

Serving type: on-tap

02-07-2012 17:30:36 | More by williamjbauer

marlinsfan4

Maryland

4.43/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Finally got around to trying this beer, been hearing about it forever.

Had on tap at Max's in Baltimore. Nice golden orange color, very pungent hoppy smell.. always a good sign. Nice and bitter and the hops are definitely upfront, but manages to stay well balanced and makes for a smooth beer that's dangerously drinkable. A very good IPA and worthy trying for sure.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2012 01:06:55 | More by marlinsfan4

marshrat63

California

3.93/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap served at right temperature. Clear crisp color with hopping nose. The hop flavor was very up front but died quickly on the tongue. Very refreshing IPA enjoyed looking over the Sonoma coast on a surprisingly clear January day undoubtedly enhanced the drinking experience!

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2012 05:28:29 | More by marshrat63

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

2.7/5  rDev -36%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Very thick, frothy head. Very small amount of carbonation.

Smell is different. And lacking hops. Smells oily, soapy, and metallic.

Finally, hops. Nowhere near what I want. Hop oils are dominant, with a very slick soapy feeling taking over. It's like a jumbled mess of an IPA. I finally get why twaddlac hated this thing. The aroma hops are AWOL. Light body.

Serving type: on-tap

12-26-2011 19:12:01 | More by VncentLIFE

drpimento

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served with at a good temperature with a nice off white head. Color is a clear honey amber. Aroma is hop, malt, cookie dough. Flavor is similar to nose; hop on top, a little caramel below. Finish is perfect for style. Finish is like flavor.there are huge optons here

Serving type: on-tap

12-13-2011 07:20:13 | More by drpimento