Racer 5 India Pale Ale - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

mattalive

California

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

Very impressed with racer 5 ipa. Not being a huge ipa guy i thought i'd finally give it a go. Sure glad i did! Appearance had me thinking i made the right decision right from the start nice reddish-brrown hue with an and above average malty head. Good aroma and tasted even better, excellent drinkability with every mouthful, definitely shoots right into my top five faves!!!

Serving type: on-tap

03-10-2011 01:18:20 | More by mattalive

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

ZippyThePinhead

California

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

This is one of my go-to IPAs. Not overpriced, widely distributed, always available (at least here in SoCal), very decent. Good value, I think. Usually around $4 for a 22-oz bomber as of this writing (7/2012). I'm pretty sure I can even find it at major supermarket chains, not just my favorite liquor stores.

It's not too malty; the hops and malt flavors are well-balanced. The finish is quick, just like I prefer, with no lingering bitter aftertaste. It is a good ambassador of the west-coast-style IPA.

It doesn't offer the smooth, refined piney goodness of certain competitor brews, but it's certainly very drinkable and refreshing. What it lacks in piney goodness it makes up for in easy availability.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2012 00:46:42 | More by ZippyThePinhead

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

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

bodegajohn

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Bodega March 26, 2007. The smell of delicious grapefruity goodness from the cascade hops hits you as soon as the pint reaches your nose. Pours a deep, cloudy orange with a thick full head. The flavor is a wonderful mix of citris overtones followed by the hop bite on the sides of the tongue that is pronounced yet doesn't linger. Highly drinkable, would be a great "session I.P.A.", which is probably an oxymoron, if not for the 7.0% ABV.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2007 03:37:12 | More by bodegajohn

gau8a

Massachusetts

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

this beer has to be tried! if you like "hop bombs"then this beer will turn into an every day pleasure. not quite stones ruination ipa but is still a superb brew!! after being exposed to the breweries that brew these double ipa creations & their other varieties, everything i've had before is not as appealing.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2008 22:57:44 | More by gau8a

beerbart

California

3.73/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is a strong ale with a very citrusy smell and taste. it's sweet, but it's not.

How much sugar did you put on your grapefruit when you were a kid? A lot? Well, this is less than that.

It's bitter but it's not actively angry. It's piney, but it's not sticky.

It's good, but not a favorite.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2008 02:37:04 | More by beerbart

joehop67

Alabama

4.4/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

As I love APAs and IPAs this one took hold immediately. I love the crisp bitter taste and the notes of underlying citrus. Don't get me wrong, I hate fruit in my beer, but it's somehow impossible to describe this brew without noting the taste of underlying citrus.
A most enjoyable mouth feel, smooth and inviting. I drank one and then another on tap and then I bought a 22oz. bottle the next day to try. I'll try to update after I get into that.
Overall, an extremely pleasurable experience for a self-proclaimed hop-head. I would definitely recommend this if you can find it on tap.
Pretty good kick at 7%, be careful if you are driving.

Serving type: nitro-tap

06-14-2009 02:28:32 | More by joehop67

mcbSTL

Missouri

3.83/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle, 6xer bought for $10 at W&C Place.

A: Copper like the pipe theives stole from our house. Lorraine cheese lacing remained on sides of glass for duration.

S: Didn't expect the significant malt presence here. Hops, sure. More citrus than pine.

T: Very bitter on first swallow. Further along, extreme bitterness slowly giving way to a bit of malt.

M: Just enough alcohol here to designate a big beer.

D: Amount of hops makes drinking a couple of these just perfect.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2009 02:00:13 | More by mcbSTL

Gribbs23

Massachusetts

3.33/5  rDev -21.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bottle pour into your run o' the mill pint glass.

Initial sniff after pour was fantastic- got that really piney hop hit. Golden color with minimal head. Admittedly surprised at all the hype given to this IPA because I honestly didn't get it in the taste. Malty with some floral and pine hop aftertaste- expected more. Overall a decent enough IPA, but somewhat middle of the pack for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2010 23:49:18 | More by Gribbs23

dubc19382

Pennsylvania

3.7/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass, the Racer 5 IPA had a nice golden/amber hue with a head that fizzled out after about a minute.

Good taste for an IPA, but I have had hoppier beers that were considered an "IPA".

As for drinkability, it is highly reccommended, but I would at least try it on tap first. Like previous comment(s), I wish it had a date on it as to when it was bottled. Perhaps it might have been affected by the long ride east.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2010 14:48:59 | More by dubc19382

SpaceMadness

Ohio

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

A- Well, I'm drinking this out of my Arrogant Bastard bomber-turned-pint glass so I can't comment much on color. I can say that it appears to be fairly clear. The initial finger and a half cream colored head was all but dissipated by the time I rinsed out the bottle and deposited it to the "To Be De-Labeled" cupboard in the garage.

S- This is where Racer 5 begins to impress. Flowers, pine, orange zest, and honey. Very pleasant.

T- Not sure if this bottle got too cold in the fridge or if my taste buds are suffering from Double IPA overload, but the taste is a tad underwhelming after taking in the aroma for a few minutes. I expected just a little more of the pine resin tongue feel than what I experienced. With each passing minute it gets stronger so cold temp. is probably a big part of it.

M- A little thin. This too could be a result of cooler than ideal temps.

O- I've let it warm a bit to get a better grasp on the taste and mouthfeel. This is a tasty, high-quality American IPA. However, for the price in Ohio ($11) I think I'd grab a $9 half-rack of Smuttynose IPA before buying this again. If I came across it as the only IPA on tap at a bar, I'd probably end up spending a lot of money on it. Well worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2011 20:01:30 | More by SpaceMadness

drmarks

Illinois

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

It was a very enjoyable beer that was easy to drink and did not come on too strong with the hops. Had a hop kick in the end but was not overpowering. Not bitter at all and, while it may not be overly important, had a very cool label and was eye catching. With that said, good beer, not my favorite IPA but its near the top

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 01:08:31 | More by drmarks

shalowlou

California

4.6/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: This brew is simply beautiful. A great appearance really can make a beer so much more appetizing.

Smell: I just love the smell, it's like being in a citrus garden. The hops: zest, grapefruit. The maltiness: orange and dare I say lemon?
Delicious and appetizing.

Taste: Its like Ruination but not on steroids. I don't really enjoy the double IPA style (aka Ruination) This has the perfect balance, I'm not scared of hops, and I can appreciate them, and this brew really helps. It's hoppy, yet balanced, and the flavors just strike the palate. Orange, lemon, grapefruit, and the hops are oh so yummy. This is really a must try for those that really want to taste what balanced is all about.

Mouthfeel: Its really the prefect balance of thickness and brew. It’s not too thick. But it really is filling.

Drinkability: Hey, I got the 22 oz. Bomber, and I like it, but it’s going to be a while before it’s gone. I'm having this with a nice fried lunch including tempura and vegetarian buffalo chicken wings. Let me tell you that this is heaven on earth. Like I mentioned before, it really does taste like Ruination but much more balanced in my opinion, the drinkability is heightened therefore in that balance.

Conclusion: Very very tasty, have it with a fried lunch like a fish and chips or a plate of calamari. Issss so good!

Serving type: on-tap

03-26-2005 22:41:27 | More by shalowlou

ThorsHammer

North Carolina

3.95/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a huge head into a pint glass. Dark orange in color. Fairly clear. Leaves fair amount of lacing. Citrus smell.

Bitterness not as strong as some IPAs. Instead, the beer has a definite citrus taste, although ending with a little perfume aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is smooth – appropriate for style. Well-carbonated.

Not the biggest beer out there, but very good. Well balanced beer, in my opinion. This makes it very drinkable. If Racer 5 were available in my area, I would definitely purchase it again.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2006 03:36:19 | More by ThorsHammer

GotHood

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottled poured into 16 oz pint glass

A: Poured a golden orange with 2 finger off white head that left behind a thick lacing.

S: Citrus hops up front, strong grapefruit smell with piney undertones, and sweet caramel malt in the background.

T: Up front strong hop flavor with sweet citrusy grapefruit dominating. Piney hops flavor comes out more as the beer warms. Caramel malt comes through, but the hops are the dominant flavor.

M: Medium body with good carbonation for an ipa. Very creamy, bitter hop oil lingers, but is not a bad thing.

D: Very solid ipa, definitely something I could enjoy for the night.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2008 07:58:59 | More by GotHood

MGL

Pennsylvania

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

Racer 5 and MNF, what a great combination.

A- Golden amber in color with nice head retention and moderate lacing in a Pinot wine glass.

S- Citrus and honey

T- This has become one of my favorite beers. Racer 5 has gained popularity in the Philly area and deservedly (sp?) so. Very hoppy , grapefruit, honey and nice malt spine holding it all together.

M- Moderate viscosity and carbonation. Very pleasing to the palate.

D- I could and have drank this beer all night long

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2009 01:16:14 | More by MGL

mattloaf1

New York

4.45/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer is my favorite non-Stone IPA. A nice, west coast Hoppy beer for a session or for just a couple. Great citrus-y hops, perfect color and head, just an all around great beer at a reasonable price. Nothing bad I can say about it. Just try it out.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2009 23:57:07 | More by mattloaf1

DeauxBoy

Louisiana

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

A: Hazy, honey amber, mildly carbonated with a slight, creamy, short-lived head and light lacing

S: Citrusy, slightly grassy with faint alcohol

T: Hops up front, with some hints of a honey malt, mild alcohol, and a bitter hop finish that stays for a while

M: Wow-- this stuff is smooth. Perfect carbonation

D: Very drinkable beer that I could easily see becoming a staple IPA in my beer diet.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2010 17:02:36 | More by DeauxBoy

AlvinStraight

New York

4.63/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Killed the cask at Bierkraft for this one and it was well worth it. This is one of my favorite IPAs and I've never had the chance to find it on cask before. I'm not sure how to define the hoppiness/fruitiness of this one; it's not just big hops, but rather has a unique flavor that I haven't found anywhere else. Simply put it's excellent. The taste is delightful, but the color and smell are particular appealing to me.

If you like IPA's and hoppy beers, this one is worth finding.

Serving type: cask

08-08-2010 00:04:17 | More by AlvinStraight

Messiahbolical

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Here's my first Beer Advocate review, picked this one up in a 22 oz bomber at Bevmo for around $4.

A - Pours a beautiful cloudy light orange color, massive amounts of lacing sticking down the sides of the beer indicating that this beer is extremely fresh. Mild carbonation. Looks great... one of the best looking beers I've had.

S - Picking up lots of citrus notes right off the bat, orange and lemon peel present with large pine undertone throughout each sniff. Not the most intense smelling IPA out there, but smells pleasant nonetheless. I just wish the smell was a bit stronger though.

T - A mild, malty sweetness hits right away for split second then fades away with a following pine bitterness that sticks to the back of your tongue and slowly fades away. This really reminds me of a hoppier Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, it's damn good. Not themost balanced IPA I've had, but it tastes damn good and is right there near the top as far as flavor goes.

M - Surprisingly light for the style and goes down smooth.

D - Despite it being light for the style, the beer looses points here for moderate ABV% and bitterness that stays around for a while. It has decent drinkability, but also definitely not sessionable. Mid of the road for this category. Also, it's a bit pricey compared to some other comparable beers so I don't know if you'd want to spend that much to session this anyways.

All in all, it's a pretty good beer though. I'd definitely pick it up again if I wanted a solid IPA that goes down smooth and isn't overly bitter. I liked it alot and I'd recommend it to any IPA fan. It's worth a try, pick it up if you see it.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2010 08:14:36 | More by Messiahbolical

Sevoking

Ohio

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

12 oz bottle poured into tulip glass.

I was first taken back how little carbonation it had. Too a point that I thought something may be wrong. No need to worry, though...it was there & in perfect balance. Color was a mild copper w/ loads of particles floating throughout. Smell was pleasantly citrusy. The taste was complex to say the least. I was expecting to be blown away by bitterness, but the hoppiness was well-balanced w/ a smooth, citrusy aftertaste. I could barely even detect any alcohol content. Each drink left me w/ wanting more. Unlike some IPA's that overwhelm you w/ bitterness to where you might stop at one 12oz, Racer 5 leaves you wanting more.

Definitely would try this again. Top 5 IPA for me.

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2011 03:56:13 | More by Sevoking

mattmuck11

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from 12 oz bottle to pint glass.

A - Less head than I would imagined would be present. Color is a rich golden orange with heavy presence of carbonation and yeast from bottle conditioning. Overall striking and beautiful.

S - bright citrus nose, with strong grapefruit notes and slight earthy pine.

T/M - Strong hop character at first with lasting bitterness to the end of the swallow and then some. Citrus hops give way to a malty background that provides a perfect balance making this beer easy to drink and smooth for such a brilliant IPA.

O - One of my favorite IPAs so far. So smooth and drinkable for how brilliant the hop character is. Highly recommended brew.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2011 17:48:41 | More by mattmuck11

ReservaPrivada

New York

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

Serving Type : 22oz Bomber that I picked up for $4.99

First this beer is a hell of a steal at $4.99 for a 22oz bomber!!!

A- A slightly hazy orange with little to no head. Mild Carbonation.

S- I could smell this beer the minute I opened it. Juicy juicy hops overcame the dinning room. Very citrus aroma with a subtle pine and resin in the back. Very little malt pick up

T- Not what I was expecting at $4.99 This beer is incredible. Right up there with Smuttynose and Ithaca Flower power. It reminded me specifically of flower power. The hop profile is very similar! Very delicious and has started to quench my thirst!

M- A little lighter than I would like or expect from a IPA. Perhaps they slimmed on the grain bill. No taste or smell or malt or grain. Very smooth and tingly from the mild carbonation. Overall a great mouthfeel. This is my first time having this and I put it down rather quick :)

Get this beer! You will love it, and if you paid what I did for it you will be in one of those WIN WIN situations! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2011 22:06:23 | More by ReservaPrivada