Hops A-Z: J is for Jaipur
Let's get the disclaimer out of the way. I *love* this beer. I've helped brew it a couple of times. I've had free samples given to me. This is not a bias-free A-Z entry. Thornbridge Jaipur is the model of a modern English IPA. And one of the finest hoppy beers in the world. And I'll give you over sixty damn good reasons why.
Jaipur is 'mmmmm' hoppy. Not blow-your-socks-off hoppy, not resin-rotted-my-taste-buds hoppy. It just... is. It was borne of a desire to showcase American hops whilst maintaining an English lineage. Two young-buck brewers, Stefano Cossi and Martin Dickie, took heaps of Chinook and Ahtanum to add a citric, floral splash over a distinctly traditional malt profile.
Yet it evolves still. Centennial crept into the equation early on. Nelson Sauvin has been in there on occasion. Nowadays, Warrior puts in a regular appearance. An English-hopped version used Target and Pioneer to great effect.
And it's been continually recognised as being a great beer. One of Thornbridge's earliest beers, it won beer of the Sheffield CAMRA festival in 2005 just two months after it was first brewed. Since then, Jaipur has won over sixty awards; testament to its deft hoppiness.
I'll tell you what Jaipur is. It's the very definition of how English breweries can use hops to optimal effect. It's proof positive that both hardcore and casual drinkers like a pint with a bit of zing and bite to it.
Thornbridge have called Jaipur 'a contemporary take on traditional thinking'. I'd like to think that Jaipur - with its assured hop touch - is at the vanguard of a new tradition in English brewing.
Jaipur is 'mmmmm' hoppy. Not blow-your-socks-off hoppy, not resin-rotted-my-taste-buds hoppy. It just... is. It was borne of a desire to showcase American hops whilst maintaining an English lineage. Two young-buck brewers, Stefano Cossi and Martin Dickie, took heaps of Chinook and Ahtanum to add a citric, floral splash over a distinctly traditional malt profile.
Yet it evolves still. Centennial crept into the equation early on. Nelson Sauvin has been in there on occasion. Nowadays, Warrior puts in a regular appearance. An English-hopped version used Target and Pioneer to great effect.
And it's been continually recognised as being a great beer. One of Thornbridge's earliest beers, it won beer of the Sheffield CAMRA festival in 2005 just two months after it was first brewed. Since then, Jaipur has won over sixty awards; testament to its deft hoppiness.
I'll tell you what Jaipur is. It's the very definition of how English breweries can use hops to optimal effect. It's proof positive that both hardcore and casual drinkers like a pint with a bit of zing and bite to it.
Thornbridge have called Jaipur 'a contemporary take on traditional thinking'. I'd like to think that Jaipur - with its assured hop touch - is at the vanguard of a new tradition in English brewing.
This A-Z is great reading! And I couldn't agree more - the vanguard of a new tradition in English brewing.
ReplyDeleteIt's an absolute classic, a giant in UK beers and, as you say, it appeals to most people.
ReplyDeleteOK so it doesn't always taste the same (nor does Punk...) but when it's on form it's beautiful.