Laurelwood Brewing Company - Workhorse IPA

Working for the weekend

Everyone knows about my obsession with craft beer--I'm Beer Guy PDX for cripes sake--but I'm currently in Seattle, dedicating the weekend to my second obsession, Mixed Martial Arts. Yeah, yeah, I know. MMA isn't for everybody. It's a violent combat sport. If watching two highly skilled combatants beat the holy crap out of each other isn't your cup of tea, that's okay. I understand. You have delicate sensibilities. See you at the orchid show or the yoga convention--or not.

This weekend, I'm attending UFC on FOX 8, Johnson v. Moraga. I'm excited as all heck about the fights. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! I'm also excited about all the fine craft beer they have up here in Seattle. I already had a few last night. 

This review is not about a Seattle beer, however. I'm way behind on my beer reviews. Beer Guy PDX been slackin'. I'm writing this review from my hotel room, tethered to my Droid. I'm using my ample beer gut as a laptop tray. Hey, just one of the many benefits of drinking craft beer!

Fittingly, I'm reviewing a true craft beer gladiator, Laurelwood's Workhorse IPA. Truthfully, I can't believe I haven't reviewed this brew before. It's one of Portland's finest and the name is most appropriate. This IPA gets the job done. Period. With an ABV of 7.5 and boatload of hoppy goodness, it's one of my favorites and a regular in my cooler.

I recently found Workhorse on the tap menu at The Station on Alberta Street (my 'hood) and was more than happy to order one (okay, two). The beer was delivered to my in a shaker pint. It was a golden orange color with a beautiful, bright white, creamy, clumpy head. The head had excellent retention and copious amounts of lacing was left all over the glass.

Aroma is huge with pine and citrus hops. Lots of delightful tropical fruit notes in there, too. Classic West Coast IPA smell.

Taste is exactly what you'd expect. No surprises, but so damn good. Pine, grapefruit, pineapple. A solid bitter sock to the taste buds. Sweet caramel malt with a perfect balance against the bitter hops.

Medium mouthfeel with good carbonation. Creamy, smooth finish with just a hint of alcohol bite at the end. Lots of hops complexity left rolling around on the palate.

As I said, it's hard to find a better IPA anywhere. Interesting that this brew isn't as celebrated as some other more highly-hyped beers out there. Merry the Wonder Beagle was under the table while I was drinking this one, drooling up a storm, so Workhorse gets a perfect 4 crushed cans out 4 rating AND a Droolie.