Racer 5 India Pale Ale - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

themind

New Jersey

3.68/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

I am a big IPA fan and had read a decent amount about this brew. I picked up a six and went at it. That said I was not overly impressed by this beer. Pliny, Hopslam and others have dominated my taste buds so Racer 5 fell short for me. Don't get me wrong it's a decent brew but I have not sought it out since.

Bottom Line: Decent IPA worth buying if Hopslam and Pliny are unavailable.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 04:09:04 | More by themind

Dools9

Massachusetts

4.21/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a pint glass. Bottled 1/4/13. This is a re-review. Previous review was of a some what old bottle. This one is much more fresh,

A: Honey orange color, slightly hazy with some sediment lurking, produced a finger of white head, its creamy and sticks around and leaves some patchy lacing.

S: Smells of grapefruit and pine, sweet pineapple are evident, some nice malty sweetness there as well.

T: Bitter pineapple and grapefruit flavors, good dose of pithy grapefruit, some pine and a nice bready maltiness.

M: Lighter to medium bodied, smooth carbonation, very easy drinking, very smooth.

O: Excellent, a quintessential West Coast IPA.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 04:00:41 | More by Dools9

rodney45

New York

4.24/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A: Unclarified burnt umber, thick creamy head that doesn't disperse quickly and laces the glass nicely.

S: Big notes of crystal malt and maybe barley. Strong hop and citrus aroma, mainly pineapple. Slight hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.

T: Citrus hop up front, mainly grapefruit, lemon, and pineapple. Has a very strong malt backbone like other good IPA's. Mainly crystal malt and maybe wheat or two row barley. Dry bitter finish.

M: Medium-light to Medium body, with moderate carbonation. Bitter, with little to none alcohol ethers.

O: Great and competitive IPA. My go to 6 pack for sure. If I cant decide on something at the distributor in 10 minutes, I'll always walk out with this. Great IPA to keep on hand.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2013 07:51:54 | More by rodney45

Hoppsbabo

United Kingdom (England)

3.95/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Bright straw colour. Large head. Some large bubbles inside the glass.

S: Strong citrusey pine needles.

T: Bright hoppy pine needles with a plain, non bready malt base. Tiny bit of woody spice and some tea leaves. Lovely rinded bitterness in the aftertaste.

O: Nothing obscure about this beer, very easy to describe. Although I'm quite bored of this flavour profile I still found this beer refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 08:34:21 | More by Hoppsbabo

sammy1185

Missouri

4.45/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Beautiful golden color, light head, moderate to heavy carb

S: Apple cider, pine, caramel, orange peel

T: Truly an exceptional brew. One of the best IPA's available in Missouri. Opens up with a little sweet malt right alongside fresh squeezed grapefruit. Comes alive shortly afterwards with very bright hops. Slightly bitter finish that lingers, but the good kind of lingering around. Kinda like Jay and Silent Bob hanging around front of a liquor store lingering. It works really well

M: Medium bodied and easy drinking for an IPA

O: I'm definitely a fan. 12oz bottle poured into a Sam Adams perfect pint. You can definitely tell this is a refined beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 22:56:54 | More by sammy1185

SometimesIfart

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours golden-amber with a finger and a half of white head. Leaves decent lacing.

S - Pineapple, Mango, banana, cloves, grapefruit.

T - Pineapple and mango up front, Grapefruit and slightly malty middle, With a slightly clove and banana like finish. Very tropical tasting.

M - Light, Slightly creamy body with light carbonation.

O - Overall, This was a great, easy drinking IPA. I bought it at random having never even heard of the brewery and I'm glad that I did. I'd definitely have it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 21:39:11 | More by SometimesIfart

Joshpu

California

4.71/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.

A: A golden orange color. Spotty lacing, fair amount of carbonation. Fairly hazy as well. About a finger and a half of white head. Its got that typical looking west coast ipa head.

S: Definitely getting the hops smell, along with lemon, and grapefruit.

T: Really good example of a west coast IPA, in my opinion. Hop forward with grapefruit.

M: Fairly crisp and medium body feel. The hops linger for a little while. For some reason it seems to have a little too much carbonation for me.

O: This is a great IPA. I like this up there with Stone's IPA and also Greenflash's IPA. Definitely a go to beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 07:04:12 | More by Joshpu

Docrock

Illinois

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

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Surly pint glass:

A - a nice golden amber color with a 1" off whit head that quickly settles to a very thin cap and spotty lacing.

S - slight pine and grassiness.

T - pine and citrus with a nice malty base.

M - medium bodied with decent carbonation, slight lingering piney aftertaste.

O - enjoyable, good solid example for the style. Will definitely enjoy more of this when looking for a good IPA.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 02:37:57 | More by Docrock

walser

4.78/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This beer in winter is like tasting an Andrew Wyeth
painting. I was not able to have my scotch or
wine tonight, but the fact that there are beers
like this available in a US. gas station
on Christmas Day gives me hope that
we are actually progressing
as a society. The economy can collapse,
the culture can deteriorate, society can
become broken down, but there are brewers,
like medieval monks in California brewing
craft beers that are like a spiritual
exercise, like vespers, or an ode to lost
humanity.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 05:12:35 | More by walser

mpedara429

Massachusetts

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

A: Poured out a slightly hazy amber color with two fingers of off white head. Rings of lacing formed dow the glass.

S: A little subtle but complex nose of sweet orange, toffee, and pine.

T: Grapefruit, pine, biscuit, and a bit of pineapple all blended together pretty well with a balanced malt backbone. Good bitter hop character present that sticks a little on the way down.

M: Medium body with medium carbonation. A little oily and sticky.

O: An exceptional single IPA. Hoppy but balanced. If you are a fan of a somewhat fruity IPA, this is a good choice.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 01:05:51 | More by mpedara429

lordofstarside

Nevada

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

12oz to a snifter, no freshness date

Pours a nice hazy shade of gold, very good color. One finger of foam with acceptable retention and good lacing. Smells of a nice mesh of hop and bready malt. Some floral tones come through, as well as some pine and grapefruit. Taste follows the nose well. Hoppy malt come through strongest with some pine resin, not much citrus going on here. Feel is pretty good, nice crisp and dry finish, and a good amount of bitterness. Over all I was expecting more from this beer, but it's still pretty good. If it was available in my area I'd pick some up every now and again

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 01:15:59 | More by lordofstarside

Gus_13

Mississippi

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

Poured from a bomber into a pint glass.

Appearance: Golden yellow with nice lacing all around the glass. Finger and a half of head when poured semi aggressively. stead stream of carbonation coming up from the bottom and sides of the glass. No real alcohol legs if any. light light in color but that's ok.

Aroma: Big hop presence with hints of citrus and little bit of pine. Not just hugely dank but it is hoppy with a light malt character behind it. Orange and lemon peel with hints of white grapefruit. No alcohol presence really.

Taste: Follows the nose. Hop forward with a mellow malt background. Hops are the big player as they should be. More of the white grapefruit juice with a good hint of bitterness. Medium mouthfeel and good carbonation. No taste of alcohol either.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 22:59:26 | More by Gus_13

PatriotsRule

Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very hoppy, like a forbidden forest of hops. Yum
A: Gold. Ample head is essentially white and the lacing is sweet too. Great carbonation!
S: Hops hops and more hops! Oh so subtle pine and citrus fruit notes
T: Hops! Extremely delicious. A little piney
M: Crisp and drinkable. Hops are present throughout the experience
O: Fairly balanced if you love hops like I do. Other than the hops though, not much shines through in this brew... It is exciting and refined, very appetizing, light and easy to drink!

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2012 02:42:32 | More by PatriotsRule

scootny

New York

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

I am stunned that this is not a top ten AIPA. Gorgeous in the glass. Two finger head that stays for what seems like a forever. Lots of lace. Beer stays covered all the way down. Fluid is a hazy stained oak color. Microfine carbonation continuously streaming up give a portent of the lovely feel. Smell is lightly bready with a mild caramel sweetness. Firm yeasty component is blanketed in hops. A citrus tinged light tropical fruit aroma as well. A dry graininess with a touch of sourness. Taste follows the nose. Light pale ale flavors are wrapped in a dry hoppiness. Pale malt and yeasty light bread. Dry grains and a faint orange flavor. Bit of biscuit. Dry hoppiness is tinged with both earth and citrus. Lovely dry finish leaves a trace of hop oil. Feel is crisp and light while not actually being a light beer. Dry and quenching with a perfect carbonation that lens itself to sessioning and refreshment. Wonderful drinkability that has you gulping the deliciousness. A superior American IPA. It just is and that's the way this beer hits me.

Serving type: growler

12-03-2012 06:03:33 | More by scootny

divineaudio

Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle into a wine glass.

a - pours a hazy amber with a thin cap of sudsy, off white head. foam calms quickly to a thin film and leaves spotty lacing.

s - toasted bread, orange citrus, hay, faint alcohol.

t - citrusy hops supported by a toasty malt base. notes of orange, grapefruit and pine. bitterness lingers for a bit.

m - firmly medium with adequate carbonation. finer co2 profile.

o - a solid beer and enjoyable, but maybe a tad overrated imo. would certainly buy more if i were in the mood for an ipa.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2012 21:34:43 | More by divineaudio

ngeunit1

California

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

A - Pours a clear golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head. The head fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some nice lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of grapefruit, pine, and floral hops with some sweet caramel and biscuit malts.

T - Starts off with a mix of grapefruit and orange hops with some bitterness and some sweet caramel malts. Through the middle, some pine and floral hops come through with some more bitterness and some biscuit malts. The finish is a mix of grapefruit, pine, and floral hops with some bitterness and some sweet caramel malts.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with a dry and bitter finish.

D - Very drinkable. Nice hoppy IPA with a good hop profile from start to end.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 06:23:05 | More by ngeunit1

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

eporter66

New York

3.7/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz Bottle into Pint Glass

A - Hazy Golden/Orange with thick foamy 1 finger head. Good lacing down the glass

S - Piney hops with a nice malt sweetness and some citrus

T - This is where the surprise comes, lots of rave reviews about this beer, I am a bit disappointed by the taste. Hops are certainly upfront, but that sweet citrus smell does not translate to the taste. A faint flavor of the alcohol hits, and more bitter hops bite and citrus at the end. As usual, as the beer warms the sweetness comes through, but still not what I would expect. I enjoy the bitterness of this beer, just would like more citrus

M - Really smooth carbonation, one of my favorite qualitites about this beer.

O - This beer gets a very high rating, but taste is what matters most, and I just dont get that nice citrus flavor I have come to enjoy from the west coast IPA's. Certainly has a lot of hop character, good bitterness, but without the citrus and malt, there is not much in the way of balance. Very drinkable for the 7% ABV, I dont usually go much beyond 7%, as I dont care for the alcohol to take over, I like it hidden in the beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 22:09:26 | More by eporter66

Braz

Washington

4.44/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Pours a clear pale gold color similar to adjucnt lagers. Nice fluffy pure white head. Aromatics are citrusy, orange, cedar and grass. Taste has excellent balance between sweet and bitter. It is dry and finishes with some nice spice notes, black peppery. Aftertaste is bitter and lingers a bit. Very good IPA. I have yet to have anything disapointing from this brewery.

Serving type: bottle

11-23-2012 15:44:43 | More by Braz

MarioM

California

4.34/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz poured into tulip

A: Great cloudy dark gold almost orange color with a creamy white head that lingered for a while with some good lacing. Bottle conditioning is obvious with yeast particles floating around, great looking beer!

S: Citrus like hop aroma and a sweet maltiness that is very pleasant. Smeels great, you just know its going to be a great tasting beer.

T: Bitterness is balanced very well with the sweet maltiness. Very nice hoppiness, citrus like, opposed to pine like or soapy like some say. Carbonation is just right and very refreshing.

M: A bit dry with a bitter aftertaste, as expected. Malt character is apparent and lingers with some citrus notes.

O: Great example of what comes out of California. Bear republic knows whats up. This is a balanced IPA, maybe a bit on the maltier side but nonetheless a must have. Brew looks good, smells great and tastes like an IPA should.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2012 07:57:50 | More by MarioM

Broden

California

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

A- Beer pours into a standard pint showing a golden, crystal clear color. Small amount of white head dissipates quickly. No lacing noted. Very good looking IPA.

S- Hops, and malt...Duh!! Very nice nose on this beer. Smells very balanced. Has a strong hop smell some mint, pine and citrus jump out. Smells very appealing.

T- Beer tastes of bread, with a small amount of citrus. This beer is a small amount of alcohol that is hidden very well.

M- Medium body beer with a nice dry finish.

O- Overall this is a great IPA!!! One of my favorites.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2012 05:32:19 | More by Broden

nUgZ

North Carolina

4.38/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 ounce bottle poured into a pint glass.

A: Pours a hazy golden color with a 1 finger head and some suspended sediment floating around. Nice lacing.

S: Sweet floral and citrus hops along with some faint bread.

T: I taste the hops, but not really floral or citrus like the smell would lead you to believe. Very light malt flavor in the end. Nicely balanced and not overpowering. The alcohol is well hidden.

M: Mouthfeel is smooth and medium bodied with light to moderate carbonation. Very easy to drink.

O: Very impressive West Coast IPA. Hoppy enough for the hopheads to be happy, but smooth and balanced enough for anyone to enjoy. Well done Bear Republic!

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 18:59:09 | More by nUgZ

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

ElSid

California

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

The Beers of California

#19

Freshness Date: None

A: Golden yellow topped off with a half a finger of white foam. Lacing sticks around once the foam settles.

S: Flowers, pine, and citrus. Some sugary, caramel sweetness and breadiness brings the the aromas together nicely.

T: Round with initial notes of bread and cane sugar followed by bright, fresh pine, citrus and a hint of pineapple juice. Herbal spice finish tops off the palate. Strong but balanced palate with some nice tropical notes which really adds a nice touch.

M: Medium bodied with good linger and carbonation. Surprisingly smooth and easy to drink.

O: A standout west coast IPA which I feel like is the NorCal rival to Stone's IPA. A great IPA which is widely distributed thus making it a good entry point into the style.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 04:11:09 | More by ElSid

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.1/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

one of those ipas that you just keep on buying, this has everything. it pours mostly clear honey colored with a long lasting thick white head. like marshmallow fluff. it smells like resinous piney hops, bitter, with lighter english malt only in supporting position. full bodied bitter flavor with plenty of forest hops. not citrus or floral at all, just stright hop oil in bitter form. still theres some sweeter element in the finish, the mouthfeel is velvet, and the alcohol is strong enough to buzz you out without too much potency to lay you out for the evening. great carbonation and just an all around aggressive hoppy happy delight. again and again for me

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 00:20:20 | More by StonedTrippin