Beer Review: Great Divide’s Titan IPA

Titan IPA, Great Divide Brewing Co., Denver

Style: IPA

Serving Type: 12-ounce bottle

ABV: 7.1 percent

Hop Meter (1–10): 10

Malt Meter (1–10): 3

Reviewed: September 2015

Over the years, I’ve frequently—and fondly—referred to Great Divide’s Titan IPA as my “tequila of beers.” This is both a joke (there was an epic night involving a pitcher or two of this brew) and a serious warning (at 7.1 percent ABV this beer isn’t exactly sessionable, although you’ll try to convince yourself it is after a pint). In many ways, this brew is like that old college friend you probably shouldn’t hang out with anymore, because a) you’re getting old and have an early bedtime; and b) you always have a little too much fun with them.

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Then again, that’s precisely why you should sample this hopfest of a beer. When you crack open a bottle, you’re immediately hit with smells of hops and citrus (and more hops). In the glass, Titan has a deep, copper hue and a thick head, which leaves dense lacing on the side of your glass while you drink. And while the hoppiness isn’t for everyone, if you love Colorado IPAs, this one will wake up your taste buds and help you remember why you consider hops a brewer’s most important ingredient.

During this session, I was impressed by the bold notes—yum, grapefruit!—and how consistent this brew has remained over the years. In olden times (i.e. before the most recent craft beer boom), I knew to trust a restaurant when Titan was on the menu. It was a surefire way to know that the culinary minds behind the meal were on trend. Now, if I see Titan on a beer list, I think that the restaurant is smart because this brew is here to stay. To wit: Titan is now available in cans.

The Ideal Drinker: That college friend you really should shouldn’t hang out with.

(Check out 5280’s comprehensive guide to Colorado’s craft beer scene)

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