Eugene, Oregon is best known as the home of the crazy uniformed, giant playcard holding, Oregon Ducks. The university has been the football standard bearer in the Pac-12 (formerly Pac-10) conference over the last few years, but the city has much more to offer than just a dynamic spread offence.
Oregon has become famous for its thriving craft beer industry and Eugene is home to several of the state’s breweries. Over the course of just six years Ninkasi Brewing Company has grown from a 15 barrel system in leased space to their own facility and a 50 barrel system. Their flagship beer: Total Domination IPA.
Appearance
A billowing head rises up to two and a half fingers, dissipates rather quickly, but leaves a nice layer of lacing. The beer is burnt orange in color and somewhat hazy.
Aroma
Quite floral in the nose. Standard elements of a West Coast IPA are all present: citrus, some tropical fruit, pine, and resin. Caramel malt intermingles with the punchy hop aromas adding balance and complexity.
Taste
Flavorful contribution from an ample hopping. Pleasant citrus notes and light fruit of pear and apricot. Malt sweetness does a decent job balancing out hop bitterness and imparts some crystal malt flavors. Finishes with a lingering bitterness that camps out on the sides of the tongue.
Mouthfeel
A medium bodied beer feels smooth in the mouth. Carbonation is relatively high for the style which can be slightly distracting. The 6.7% ABV is tucked away nicely in the background.
Drinkability
Overall a good beer and one that we all agreed we’d buy again. Nothing super intriguing or alluring, just a solid, flavorful IPA. Overall grade for Ninkasi Total Domination IPA: B
Up next on Tuesday Tasting: The Bruery Black Orchard