Koppi Coffee IPA: A Diamond in the Rough

I walked into Sidecar today thinking I would just sit at a table, relax with a beer, and get some homework done. Little did I know I would make an impulse buy on the spot for the most expensive beer I've ever bought. (Though to some who really enjoy their unique craft beers I may not have paid that much.)

While I was standing in line at the counter I overheard the barista talking to the male student in front of me. Apparently he was the only one so far who had bought and tried a particular beer and was asked how he enjoyed it. Naturally I was curious to know what beer this was because it might influence my purchase decision. I asked the barista what beer he was referring to and he responded the Koppi Coffee IPA. This particular beer is hard to find around here because there are only 6 of these beers (to the knowledge of the barista) in North East Iowa, and they were all purchased by Sidecar. With this in mind and a natural desire to own unusual and rare things I jumped at the opportunity to be the second buyer of the Koppi Coffee IPA. It cost a pretty penny ($14 plus tax to be exact) but when I saw the size of the bottle I felt better about the expenditure. 

So how did Sidecar happen to acquire all 6 of these unique beers? The barista informed me they had a personal connection with the brewer. The brewer in question, Friedreich of Abu Nawas Brewing Company helps supply Sidecar with artisan beers and ales. This selection includes Prarrie, Mikkeller, and Evil Twin. The Koppi happened to be Mikkeller.

Now that I purchased this rare beer I find myself in a dilemma. Should I drink it or is it unique enough that I should keep it untouched in the bottle to show off? If anyone knows more about this beer and has a suggestion, please leave a comment. 

But since I have not yet opened the Koppi IPA, I also purchased Goose Island's The Muddy Imperial Stout to sip on while blogging. So I suppose I should do a review about that as well. 

Beer Review: 

Goose Island Beer Co. The Muddy Imperial Stout is quite a strong beer. Naturally because it is an imperial and contains 9% alcohol by volume with an IBU of 32. IBU stands for International Bitterness Unit. Usually the hoppier a beer is the higher the IBU. So if you don't like hoppy beers or IPA's look for a beer with a low IBU. But I digress. The Muddy has a deep rich dark flavor with a hint of licorice. Like most dark stouts this stout is also creamier than a regular ale. Just as the name suggests, The Muddy is a very down to earth stout. As a kid I'm sure most of you played the game Candy Land. In Candy Land if there was a deep dark cavern, this stout is the underground lake that occupies the center of this cavern. I give this beer a 4 out of 5 rating, though I caution that this beer is particularly suited for dark beer consumers. 

Sidecar Coffee Shop: When Coffee Just Doesn't Cut It

College Hill is home to the Sidecar Coffee Shop. In my opinion the best coffee shop in Cedar Falls. Perhaps a bold claim, but one I intend to prove. When you walk into the Sidecar you are presented with a lot of stimulus. College kids crowd around the small tables enjoying their coffee and paninis as they study together or simply converse with enthusiasm. The mellow lighting and music offers a relaxing and enticing atmosphere. As you continue to walk towards the counter and glance around you would notice the painting lining the walls. Every few weeks a new artist features their work providing a unique experience with every gallery.

As you walk up to the counter you are greeted by a smiling barista prepared to take your order. The service is usually swift, and for any time consuming order the barista will serve your food or drink to you at your table while you wait. The menu choices are quite extensive for a coffee shop as well. There's the usual coffee related drinks as well as soups, salads, paninis, breakfast pastries, desert bars, and an eclectic selection of beer when coffee just doesn't quite cut it. I've had a few of the beers and I'm quite happy with what they have available.

Beer Review:

Two Hearted Ale is a crisp bubbly IPA with a bitter bite. The bitter piny hop flavor is the overriding characteristic of the ale. It has a deep amber color in the low light of the Sidecar ambiance. All these IPA's I keep drinking are helping me develop a taste for them, though I think it will still take a while to truly appreciate and enjoy the taste completely. The Two Hearted Ale made me think of biting into an acorn. Now I have no idea what an acorn actually tastes like, but I imagine it's something similar to this IPA. I would recommend this ale to any IPA lover, but not to anyone who doesn't enjoy the bitter taste of a hoppy beer. I give the Two Hearted Ale a 3.75   out of 5. 

The Cuvee Renee is a lambic style beer. Absolutely one of my favorite beers I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. There's a premium cost to purchase it, but worth every penny. It had a light crisp bubbly sensation as you sipped it from the glass. Bubbles rose in a continuous column causing a slight fascination. The beer had a distinct sweet citrus flavor with a tart and slightly vinegar over note. A glass of the Cuvee Renee reminded me of a champagne more than anything. Merchant duVin can offer more information about the lambic style beers. I rate this beer a 4.75 out of 5.