Beer Review: Telluride’s Tempter IPA

Tempter, Telluride Brewing Co., Telluride

Style: IPA

ABV: 6.4 percent

Serving Type: 12-ounce can

Malty? Hoppy? Malt-heavy for an IPA

Reviewed: April 2014

Recently, a barista at Rooster & Moon Pub recommended Telluride’s Tempter IPA to me because, well, it was “his girlfriend’s favorite” IPA. Turns out, his girlfriend has good taste, and the beer-serving café did well in adding it their boozy list. The Tempter has an even-keeled characteristic that deems it appropriate for both a connoisseur with an IPA craving and a complete beer novice. Part of that mass appeal is balance—something I always take note of in beers—and on that point this IPA succeeds. The amber-colored ale has a heavy malty smell on the nose that subdues itself in taste, and its hop-heaviness doesn’t leave you with that fuzzy-tongue feel just a few sips in, as some IPAs tend to do. Its profile is piney, floral, and crisp, with a medium, easy-drinking body. The only trouble is it makes me want to pair it with some hardy, spice-heavy food. Now, where are those take-out menus?

Would we buy it again? When we’re looking for a year-round IPA choice, this is a purchase-worthy choice.