Widmer Brothers Falconer's IPA Rotator IPA Series

I was excited to pick up Widmer Falconer's IPA Rotator IPA Series, the fall IPA rotator series offering from Widmer Brothers, because I've been trying (without success) to get my hands on Falconer's Flight, a new hop variety that sounds interesting for formulating fruitier IPAs.  Falconer's IPA poured the color of honey, with red rings hugging the side, capped with a small, sticky white head.  Juicy Fruit, pineapple, and citrus wafted from the glass, as well as a bitterness that was somewhat off-putting in the context of the fruit flavors.


Widmer Falconer's IPA opened with a bitter, bright start... much rougher than the nose implied.  Pineapple and orange thankfully took over and say well against a sweet malt background, but a grapefruit rind bitterness that was lurking in the background the whole time came through strong in the end, leaving the aftertaste a b9it messy.


Widmer Falconer's IPA is a good ale, but it has somewhat dashed my expectations of the Falconer's Flight hop... hopefully someone else can make it sit in the mix a little better? 

Widmer Bros Nelson Imperial IPA

Widmer Bros Nelson Imperial IPA, a newer offering from Widmer Brothers, poured a crimson clover honey hue in the glass with a small, sticky head.  Big, sweet nectarine and lesser notes of pine led the nose.

Widmer Bros Nelson Imperial IPA opened with a sweet honey and orange liqueur start, with some rind bitterness making an appearance in the middle.  The ale maintained its dark character as it smoothed out into a slightly hot, slightly sweet creamy fade.

Widmer Bros Nelson Imperial IPA seemed to carry a dark citrus tone throughout the drinking experience.  It was a bit less refined and more aggressive than many imperial IPAs, but by no means overbearingly so.  For the price, and considering the competition sitting next to it on the shelf, I doubt this ale will make it into regular rotation in my fridge, but it certainly can stand on its own.

Widmer Brothers Rotator X-114 IPA Series

Widmer Brothers Rotator X-114 IPA Series poured a bright white head over a pale honey body.  The nose had a distinct, sweet cantaloupe and spice aroma to it.

Widmer Brothers Rotator X-114 IPA opened with a carbonate, sweet orange citrus start backed by a sweet, caramel malt center.  The hop profile shifted to more traditional grapefruit and pine, with a bit of peppery spice, and the IPA ended on a dry, spiced citrus note.

Widmer Brothers Rotator X-114 IPA is a unique experience, with the 114 (Citra) adding a distinctly sweet citrus flavor and aroma to the classic NW IPA experience.  I look forward to trying their three forthcoming additions to the Rotator IPA line.

Widmer Brothers Broken Halo IPA

Most well-known for bringing the hefeweizen (mit lemon) to the West Coast in the 1980’s, the Widmer Brothers have established a solid line of regularly available brews, seasonal brews, and limited edition releases.  Today I’m opening their take on my favorite ale type, the IPA, with Widmer Brothers Broken Halo IPA.

Widmer Brothers Broken Halo IPA poured a honey-yellow into the glass with a vigorous, off-white head and mild carbonation.  The nose was a classic Northwest combination of garden flowers and pine.

Widmer Brothers  Broken Halo IPA opened with crisp grapefruit and pine flavors backed by a sweet malt backbone with hints of caramel.  Something seemed a bit off about the mouth feel… maybe a bit more oily and metallic than I’m used to.  It wasn’t distracting, but it was always there in the background when I really concentrated on all the flavors.   Broken Halo ended on a nice, hop-centric fade that outlasted whatever funkiness it was I tasted earlier. 

If I had to describe the Widmer Brothers’ brewing capability and selection with only a few descriptors, “competently executed”, “respectful and representative of the style”, and “always good, never great” are a few that come to mind.  Widmer Brothers’ Broken Halo IPA completely falls within this stereotype… a great session beer that hits all the right notes for the IPA style but lacking the depth to be truly memorable.