Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA Beer Review
The Craft Beer Market
Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA is an Imperial IPA brewed by New Belgium Brewing, a craft brewer based in Colorado. The craft beer market had been growing rapidly over the last 40 years after Congress legalized homebrewing in 1978. As a result, this inspired many beer enthusiasts to start their own small breweries. However, today the overall beer market is declining and the number of breweries in the United States is trending down. The predicted “beer apocalypse” is upon us.
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing began brewing beer in 1991 after a 1988 trip to Belgium. One of their first beers was Fat Tire, a popular amber ale that was reimagined in 2023. The company today has a large selection of beers, including the popular Voodoo Ranger line, Belgian style beers, Fat Tire and more. They have tasting rooms and brewery tours in Fort Collins, Colorado and Asheville, North Carolina.
Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA Beer
New Belgium describes Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA as “a rare blend of choice hops and rich, complex flavors.” Trippel has a 9% ABV and 70 IBU. Other sources say it has about 230 to 250 calories, 14 to 15g carbs, 0g fat and 2 to 3 g protein. It has Ale yeast, Delta, Bravo, Centennial, Cascade, Calypso, Mosaic hops and Pale and Black malts. It has a “Very Good” rating on Beer Advocate, who also describe the beer as “a rare blend of choice hops that creates an explosion of fresh-cut pine and citrus flavors for a complex, rich and delicious flavor.”
Our Review of Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA
I have had two beers from New Belgium, Fat Tire Amber Ale and Trippel. Despite my preference for amber and red ales, I dislike Fat Tire so much that I bring my own beer to my friend’s parties, knowing that he only serves Fat Tire. Trippel was my least favorite of the Belgian Tripels I have tasted with its “strong boozy bite.” My experience with New Belgium Brewing has not been good.
I am not a fan of IPAs in general but I have heard good things about the Voodoo Ranger line. Its 70 IBU and 9% ABV are definitely outside my beer comfort zone.
Much to my surprise, Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA was very good. I even considered giving it a 5 rating. It was not overly hoppy or “boozy” and definitely had citrus notes. Despite its 9% ABV., I might have had a second one if I had two. If this beer can appeal to a non-IPA drinker, it should be an excellent choice for IPA lovers.
For more IPA recommendations see Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA and Lagunitas DayTime IPA.
For beer nutritional information of all beers we have reviewed see Beer Nutritional Information.
