Racer 5 India Pale Ale - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

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

rustymoore

Tennessee

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a golden orange with minimal head and reasonable leaving throughout

Smells strong of the pine floral scent of hops and citrus notes

Taste is a great blend of hops and citrus flavor. Not too much of either, but if I had it my way the hops would be just slightly less pronounced.

Mouthfeel is slightly acidic but crisp and smooth for the most part

Overall a great IPA that can be enjoyed all year round

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2011 04:54:16 | More by rustymoore

RoamingGnome

Wisconsin

4.22/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Arrived at my table nicely poured into a Founders pint glass.

A) Nice looking amber with a slight haze. There was a full finger of good looking head. The head settled to a dusting. There was nice lacing down the pint.

S) Nice fresh pine and citrus fruits.

T) A good malt/hop balance. There is a little fresh squeezed OJ flavor, pine and tropical fruit. The bitterness evens out really well with the other flavors present.

M) A medium body with just the right amount of carbonation. A smooth drinker with a clean finish. Nice aftertaste.

O) Well done.... This is a fine IPA. I would gladly recommend. I hope it tastes this good out of the bottle, because I will likely be looking to buy a six pack.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2011 14:11:53 | More by RoamingGnome

KickInTheChalice

Illinois

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

Served on tap in a chalice at Bricks.

Appearance: My pour arrives with a slightly cloudy tangerine color. A bit of a white froth rests on top, sticking around with a firm resilience and leave a few spots of lace on the glass. Visible bubbles rise from the bottom of the glass to replenish the head.

Smell: The focus of the aroma is a juicy citrus hoppiness. Some light honey sweet grains are noticeable as well, as is a slightly pungent herbal and earthy hoppiness.

Taste: Up front there is a good amount of bready malt with a bit of honey. The sweetness lingers for a few moments, blending with the grapefruit, tangerine, and orange zest very nicely. Some light herbal hops and spicy notes combine with a dose of pine hops to create a complex finish. There is a lightly bitter aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Bear Republic has done just a phenomenal job of figuring out the mouthfeel to their beers. Creamy and smooth to the utmost degree without losing the raw grainy and prickly nature of the malt and hop bills. The carbonation helps to assist the flavors reach the tongue efficiently without getting in the way. The body is properly medium to full.

Overall: Another offering from Bear Republic that is well worth the money. At this point maybe I have had too many IPA's to fully appreciate the simple elegance of this one, but I find it easily drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-16-2011 22:29:26 | More by KickInTheChalice

unclejazz

New York

4.58/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

This is an experience worth documenting. I have tried this before in a bottle, but see the true spirit of this ale straight from the regulated beer tap. Happily surprised that it was at my local five napkin burger, I am ready to enjoy it with some tasty wings. The color is an opulent brass and although the head was thin(mainly from how the uneducated bartender poured it) it looks highly drinkable. There are still bubbles rising 5 minutes into the drinking of this crisp, light, piny-dry mouthventure. Can't wait until the wings arrive.

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2011 20:10:11 | More by unclejazz

Murrhey

Montana

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

From notes, pint glass at The Iron Mule

A: Amber coloring, some lacing, but little head.

S: Crisp, bitter tones.

T: Ahhh the IPA. Not my favorite kind of beer, but I like the direction this was going with the bitterness.

M: Wonderful.

O: Second time having Racer 5, both were enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 05:36:22 | More by Murrhey

mterrence5

Massachusetts

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

Had this on tap.

Golden color, not much head, but looks really good overall. Fairly clear only a slight cloudy. Mild to medium carbonationb bubbling. Slightly floral smell.

Solid hoppy flavor. Mildy sweet. Very drinkable at 7% abv the alcohol contact is hidden completely. Finish is of course bitter and a bit dry but no unpleasent bite at the end from the hops.

good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2011 13:43:32 | More by mterrence5

BucannonXC5

California

4.15/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a draft into a pint glass at KnB Wine Cellars in San Diego, Calif. Color was golden honey orange, a lot like apple juice. Minimal head. Minimal lacing on the on the top, but a circular spot. Pretty sweet. Some film, too, which stayed throughout the glass.

Hops led the way in the whiff. Pine seemed to be leading the way, but it wasn’t too strong. Some floral flavors as well.

Initial taste was a strong alcohol bite with some citrus and pine hops in there. It ended with a floral/fruity aftertaste. Slightly bitter on the tongue at the end.

Medium body. Soft carbonation. Smooth and refreshing.

After a disappointing start, this beer really improved for me as soon as I tasted it. Don’t hesitate to give it a chance.

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2011 07:47:54 | More by BucannonXC5

mostpoetsdo

Rhode Island

4.08/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Gold, almost amber, a gentle haze to it. Slightly off-white head.

S: Pungent combination of pine and citrus. More of a tangerine-like smell. Pretty much hop forward the whole way, an earthiness in the background.

T: Sticky, juicy citrus hops, combined with a sharp pine needle taste. Bits of bitter orange rind. The slightest toffee backbone is present.

M: Medium body, great carbonation. The tiniest bit hot.

O/D: Very enjoyable, finally glad I got to have it on tap, worth seeking out.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2011 00:42:52 | More by mostpoetsdo

Floyd12

Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on-tap poured into a pint glass.

A- A moderately hazy amber color with a thick foamy and creamy head of about two fingers. The head lingered for most of the beer and left fantastic lasing all over the glass.

S- Very hoppy with a slight malt. Citrusy underones with an earthy grainy smell as well.

T- Strong hard hop taste with a little bit of bitterness but not over the top. Again slightly citrusy but the hops take control without going overboard.

M- Very crisp and refreshing with a long dry hoppy finish.

O- This is one of my new favorite beers. I love this but have only seen this at White Horse in Boston. This needs to expand on the east coast.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2011 04:40:42 | More by Floyd12

Burt

Rhode Island

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

Served in a pint glass.

Light amber that is hazy, thick head the dispersed slowly and left thin lacing all the way down the glass.

Smell is of floral hops with a little sweet malt. Kind of missing that big west coast hop aroma.

Taste is like a red grapefruit in the beginning, then turns floral and a little sweet in the middle, finishes bitter and some what dry.

Tried this for the first time and was expecting a little more from a west coast IPA. It wasn't a bad IPA, just seemed to be little subdued.

Serving type: on-tap

09-03-2011 04:15:46 | More by Burt

brewski101

California

4.22/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Came across this one by happenstance as the due to a mixup when my better half was deciding between a few different options - anyways, when the bartender said it was a IPA instead of the scotch ale, I was the beneficiary of the Racer5. The pour was at the perfect temperature with- foam was modest. Minor floral and fruit aroma. Taste was of citrus. Clean. Definitely will keep on my list.

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2011 20:25:34 | More by brewski101

DarthKostrizer

California

4.22/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Look: Orangish yellow in color with a 1/8 inch head and no retention but lots of lacing

Smell: Huge aroma of citrus and floral hops which is quite pleasant.

Taste: Perfectly balanced IPA the citrus and floral hops are first and foremost but then the malt takes over and balances out the beer and leaves a grapefruit and bisquity finish in your mouth

Mouthfeel: Light body and high carbonation and leaves a dry tart finish

Overall: A really great IPA this could be one of my favorite IPA that I have had.

Serving type: on-tap

08-27-2011 17:31:01 | More by DarthKostrizer

dcook11

California

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

Poured into a tulip glass. No freshness date.

A- Two finger head from an aggresive pour. Minor amounts of lacing. Tons of sediment. Honey colored with low carbonation.

S- Sweet. Grapefruit, orange, hops, caramel as it warms..an odd funk as well cant place it.

T- Hops, grapfruit, orange, with mild bitter finish.

M- Light approaching medium bodied.

o- Good Ipa. Not great, but enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2011 21:52:39 | More by dcook11

AdamBear

Pennsylvania

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

A-yellow gold with a thick white head and some lacing

S-herbs, grains, citrus, and some hops. medium strength

T-comes in with some citrus and some sweet hops and a bit of bitterness, all are equal and slightly dull. the after-taste is of creamy hops and some tangerine. nothing great

M-ceamy medium carbonation with a creamy finish

O-definitely an enjoyable IPA though its not as great as everyone makes it seem to make it. the hops and bitterness seem to be faded. this might only meet hops heads half way.

Serving type: on-tap

08-20-2011 18:29:16 | More by AdamBear

vette2006c5r

Wisconsin

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

Racer 5, pours a dark copper color with a nice lacing head. The smell is hoppy, and floral. The taste starts of almost sweet and very floral, very hoppy, and finishes with the bitterness that you would expect from an IPA. Good strong flavor, but very easy to drink, hard to get sick of this one. Overall a good IPA, very solid, not the greatest, but an sure choice to goto.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2011 07:14:02 | More by vette2006c5r