(Everett, MA) – With the imminent opening of its taproom in Everett, Down The Road Beer Co. is ramping up production. Following the extremely successful Queequeg’s Revenge New England IPA, Down The Road will soon release two, fresh, NEIPAs: Golden City and Dreamtime. Both beers clock in at 7% ABV and 60 IBUs, but they each explore distinctly unique hop profiles.
Golden City is a hazy IPA brewed with El Dorado and Bru-1 hops. Named for the mythical shining city of South American legend, the beer is an explosion of tropical fruit with distinct notes of pineapple, melon and stonefruit. The DTR team had a blast with Golden City’s packaging, and many of the brewery’s employees, including owner and brewmaster Donovan Bailey, are featured in the label’s artwork.
Dreamtime is hazier still but with a dramatically different flavor profile. Featuring Ella and Vic Secret, the Australian hops offer a delicious melange of herbs, flowers and soft fruit. Dreamtime references the trance-like state Aboriginal shamans employ to explore the hidden truths of the Outback. The label art is an intriguing mashup of primitive, Australian rock painting and western watercolors depicting The Blue Tongue Lizard Man, a legendary shaman who learns the secrets of the universe by speaking with animals.
“I like beer to be drinkable, so balance and mouthfeel are at the top of mind when I’m developing recipes,” said Donovan Bailey, founder and head brewer of Down The Road Beer Co. “The main difference between these two beers is in the hop profiles. Golden City has a juicy, almost Fruity Pebbles-like flavor with a hint of dankness that brings it all together. Dreamtime, on the other hand, is all about tropical notes from the Vic Secret that lead to spicy, floral impressions from the Ella.”
Golden City and Dreamtime are limited production runs that will be available in 16-oz. cans and on draft throughout Massachusetts from mid- to late-August through early fall. Both beers are best enjoyed as fresh as possible to fully appreciate the complexity of the hops.