Derek Warren

HOW TO PAIR BEER WITH EVERYTHING: Sock Knocker by Coronado Brewing Company

HOW TO PAIR BEER WITH EVERYTHING: Sock Knocker by Coronado Brewing Company
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Beer: Sock Knocker

Brewer: Coronado Brewing Company

Style: American Imperial/Double IPA

ABV: 8.50%

Description: Sock Knocker pours a crystal clear golden color with a bright white foam head that leaves behind a thick lacing on the glass. The aroma is a veritable hop bouquet, with strong floral notes up front, followed by hints of pine, citrus, and tropical fruits with a backing of sweet malts. The taste follows the nose, but the fruit notes explode on the palate after the malt makes its presence known. The sweet malts hit the palate first and are followed by floral hop notes before the delicious notes of lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and a hint of pineapple wash over with a touch of pine of the back end before the sweet malts appear again and leave behind a semi-dry finish.

The medium body and lively carbonation really work well together to deliver the hops locked within this delicious beer. IPAs are still one of the most popular styles of beers available, and Sock Knocker is a delicious hoppy liquid that should be tried by all hop lovers!

Ideal setting: Sock Knocker is a very versatile beer that is great for a day relaxing outdoors or while out for a night with friends. The best setting for this beer is one where it can be shared with fellow beer lovers!

Ideal music: The wonderful hop kick will awaken the senses and make its presence known quickly. Music that is lively and fitting for a summer day makes for an incredible pairing. Music with a poppy, upbeat feel that has an edge, yet is still relaxing is the best match.

Some great albums to enjoy with Sock Knocker are:

  • Further Seems Forever – “How to Start a Fire”
  • Chamberlain – “The Moon My Saddle”
  • Minus the Bear – “Acoustics”
  • Jimmy Eat World – “Clarity”
  • Last Days of April – “Ascend to the Stars”

Ideal movie: This is most affirmatively a West Coast-styled IPA, and that vibe comes through in the beer. The strong hops and laidback feel will put you in the mood for the California weather. If you have the funds available, going for a trip to the West Coast to have this beer will be perfect, but if not, movies with a definitive California feel will suit the beer just fine!

Some great movies to enjoy with Sock Knocker are:

  • “Chinatown”
  • “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”
  • “Swingers”
  • “The Big Lebowski”
  • “Speed”

Ideal book: Again, the West Coast feel of the beer will be a perfect match with books that convey a sunny California setting. The combination of delicious hops and being transported to the ideal setting will create a very enjoyable afternoon.

Some great books to read with Sock Knocker are:

  • “The Day of the Locust” by Nathanael West
  • “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck
  • “Anywhere But Here” by Mona Simpson
  • “The Confession of Max Tivoli” by Andrew Sean Greer

The perfect experience: Sock Knocker is the perfect DIPA to enjoy while out for a night with friends enjoying good music. The invigorating hop character and moderately high ABV will help make any summer night magical!

How to Pair Beer with Everything is a weekly column about stimulating all of the senses through beer. Look for it every Thursday on NEPA Scene.