Noble Ale Works releases another hit beer, and it’s going fast
Noble Ale Works brewed up a lot of buzz among L.A.’s beer geeks in 2013 with their coffee-laced, improbably light “white stout†Naughty Sauce, and brewmaster Evan Price has done it again with Tongue Tickles -- the newest IPA from the Anaheim brewery.
The pungent brew made its L.A. debut at this month’s first annual L.A. IPA Fest -- where it was chosen as the champion by a panel of renowned craft brewers -- before heading out to draught accounts around town. Now, the brew is available in bottles, but you’ll need to act fast to get a taste of the West Coast IPA as less than 200 cases were sent to distribution.
Technically a double IPA, the 8% ABV Tongue Tickles uses a combination of modern hop varieties, like the ever popular citra and simcoe, to provide a layered assault of fruity hop flavors. A medium-light body adds to the brew’s drinkability, and the bright flavors match the aroma of citrus, pineapple and nectarine. The finish is dry, and a lingering bitterness seems to stick to the side of the tongue and cheeks.
This first batch of Tongue Tickles is available on draught and in 22-ounce bottles at better beer stores, but the brew won’t stay on shelves long. Noble Ale Works’ distributor said the bottles sold through retailers much faster than expected, and some local retailers are limiting sales to one bottle per person. Look for it at Sunset Beer Co., Whole Foods Markets or Vendome Liquor locations.
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