HOW TO PAIR BEER WITH EVERYTHING: Mass Rising by Jack’s Abby Brewing
Beer: Mass Rising
Brewer: Jack’s Abby Brewing
Style: American Double IPL
ABV: 8.00%
What is an IPL? This relatively new style is rising in popularity amongst many craft beer drinkers, but what is it? The term itself means India Pale Lager, and the style is a mixing of the popular IPA style with a lager, creating a hoppy beer with a fuller and smoother mouthfeel.
Description: Mass Rising pours a bright golden hue with a slight haze with bright white frothy head that leaves a heavy lacing on the glass. The aroma is filled with citrus and pine hop notes backed with wonderful lightly toasted sweet malts. The taste follows the nose exactly with a brilliant hop punch up front, with notes of grapefruit and pine and hints of tropical fruits, followed by an incredibly smooth sweet malt bill that soothes the palate. The medium body and moderate carbonation aid in the smooth and creamy mouthfeel for this delicious IPL.
Jack’s Abby has quickly made a name for themselves by creating world-class beers that are brewed with love and attention to detail. Mass Rising is proof that this brewery knows what they are doing and is a must-try beer for all fans of craft beer!
Ideal setting: The smooth, easy-drinking lager characteristics, combined with bright hop flavors and aromatics, make this beer a must-have for any social gathering. Enjoy this beer out with friends at your favorite bar or during a wonderful get-together at home; either way, it will make any event better!
Ideal music: Lagers and IPAs are beers that can be consumed while relaxing with friends or while partying the night away, so when combined, the same remains true, but the qualities are magnified. The bright hop character and smooth malt bill seem to make the body move, and indie music that has a groove is a must with this world-class beer!
Some great albums to enjoy with Mass Rising are:
- Pele – “Enemies”
- Les Savy Fav – “Let’s Stay Friends”
- Ima Robot – “Ima Robot”
- Doves – “Some Cities”
- Does It Offend You, Yeah? – “You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into”
Ideal movie: Mass Rising will awaken the senses and maybe even throw a monkey wrench into them if one is not accustomed to the IPL style. The smooth body and hoppy character is a combination that is not soon forgotten. This seemingly oddball combo pairs best with comedies that are not run-of-the-mill and have a unique statement unto themselves.
Some great films to watch while enjoying Mass Rising are:
- “The Big Lebowski”
- “Ghost World”
- “Little Miss Sunshine”
- “Rushmore”
- “Eagle vs Shark”
Ideal book: Mass Rising will instantly transport the mind to bright and sunny locations. The bright hops, delicious semi-sweet malts, and 8 percent ABV will relax the body and allow the mind to absorb a great book. Books that capitalize on this sunny disposition are the best pairings, but be careful – your loved ones may not be used to you being so happy after this pairing!
Some great books to read with Mass Rising are:
- “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel” by Robin Sloan
- “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
- “Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions” by Neil Gaiman
- “Being Human” by Neil Astley
- “Men at Work” by Mike Gayle
The perfect experience: Mass Rising is a beer that will lift the spirits of all who consume it. The wonderful balance and flavor profile will invigorate the senses and make a fun night with friends even better. Enjoy this beer at any social gathering with friends and family and appreciate all that life has to offer!
