“It’s the summer of Axis,” my friend Nick reminded me. There were six of us at my favorite local craft beer bar, and all of us were drinking Axis IPA from one of the area’s most tenured craft breweries, Real Ale. Some of us were even enjoying our second of the night. Axis has emerged as one of my favorite local beers this summer, and will likely continue to be a year-round favorite.
Axis is the Goldilocks of Real Ale’s IPAs. Lost Gold and Three Lions are “kind of hoppy” and “very hoppy,” respectively, but Axis is “exactly the right amount of hoppy.” Real Ale describes Axis as a “3rd Coast IPA,” which I think is more about what the beer is not than what it is. Axis is extra hazy like a New England IPA, nor is it intensely dank and hoppy like a West Coast IPA. Axis has found a beautiful balance of malt, hop and yeast.
Axis has a deep copper color, with a thin, white head that disappears quickly, leaving some nice lacing along the glass. The citrus and melon aroma is strong, with only the slightest undercurrent of cereal. Citrus and tropical fruit flavors are right up front on this one. The mix of Eureka, Simcoe and Mosaic hops provide the delicious fruity sweetness with only the slightest bitterness. Axis has a dry crispness and a slight mouthfeel that make it easy to drink year round.
Axis is available on tap at many local watering holes their IPA six pack sampler (along with Lost Gold and Three Lions) at your local H-E-B. I recommend sharing them with friends, paired with a South Texas summer night.
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